Saed News: The horrific murder of a woman who was a beauty influencer in Mexico — and during her live broadcast — has sparked a wave of reactions.
Saed News Incident Report | Translated to English
According to the incident report by Saed News quoting Haft-e Sobh, the recorded video of the influencer during the moment of her murder has intensified the impact of the tragedy. What’s even more shocking is that after the attack, as the influencer’s phone fell, the face of her killer was briefly captured and shown to the audience. But who was Valeria Márquez, and what consequences will her murder bring?
Beauty Influencer
Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer known for her makeup and beauty videos on social media, was fatally shot while livestreaming on TikTok at a beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. The murder, taking place in front of a live online audience—especially in a country already struggling with high rates of violence against women—has left a deep impact on the public. The Jalisco state prosecutor has announced that the case is being investigated under femicide protocols, indicating that the motive may be related to the victim’s gender.
Murder of a Beauty Influencer
President’s Promise to Pursue Justice for Valeria
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated in a press conference that the national security cabinet, including senior security officials, is actively investigating the murder. She emphasized: “An investigation is underway to first identify those responsible and determine the motives behind this incident.” Sheinbaum, who became Mexico’s first female president in October 2024, had previously pledged to extend her success in reducing homicide rates during her time as mayor of Mexico City to the national level. However, the early months of her presidency have been marked by escalating cartel-related violence across the country—of which this murder has become a symbol of growing public concern.
Gender-Based Violence in Mexico
Violence against women in Mexico remains an alarming issue. According to data from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico ranked fourth in femicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, alongside Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, with 1.3 femicides per 100,000 women. This highlights the depth of the gender-based violence crisis in the country. The state of Jalisco, where this murder occurred, ranks sixth among Mexico’s 32 states (including Mexico City) in homicide rates. Since the start of Sheinbaum’s presidency, 909 murders have been reported in Jalisco alone. The state is also considered high-risk due to the strong presence of organized crime groups, including drug cartels. Valeria Márquez’s murder, as a high-profile and targeted act of violence against a woman, has reignited the national conversation around femicide. Investigating this case as a potential femicide signals authorities’ intent to consider gender-based motives behind such crimes.
Outrage Over the Live-Streamed Murder
Márquez’s murder, occurring during a livestream on TikTok—a platform with millions of users—quickly spread across media and social networks. The incident has provoked widespread outrage and fear, not just due to its brutal nature but also because of its public exposure.
Criminal Infiltration in Mexico
Despite Sheinbaum’s stated commitment to prioritizing this case, there are still no specific details on the investigation’s progress or potential suspects. This may reflect the complexity of the case, especially given that Jalisco is a known stronghold for organized crime. Previously, Mexico’s Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz, revealed that a ranch in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, was identified as a former operational and training base for organized crime groups—underscoring the deep-rooted influence of such groups in the region. Additionally, Mexico has a long and troubling history of violence against public figures, including journalists and influencers. For instance, in October 2024, two journalists were killed in Mexico’s western states within just 24 hours—highlighting the risks faced by those with public platforms.
