A Mexican influencer, César Gastélum, was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok.
Gastélum and two friends were filming outside a fast‑food restaurant in Tres Ríos, a neighbourhood of Culiacán, on Tuesday evening when two men on a motorbike approached. One of the riders fired a single close‑range shot, killing the influencer.
The 48‑year‑old had more than half a million followers on TikTok and mainly produced comedy videos. His death follows the 2025 killing of 23‑year‑old Valeria Márquez, who was shot while livestreaming at a beauty salon in Mexico City.
On the livestream, Gastélum and his friends wore bright orange coats and delivery‑service bags, leading police to first think he was a food‑delivery driver. Once authorities learned his identity, they quickly cordoned off the area and collected cartridge casings and CCTV footage for clues.
No arrests have yet been made, and the two motorbike riders fled the scene. It is still unclear if Gastélum had received prior threats or if the attack is linked to cartel activity.
Gastélum often posted on Instagram about his travels and nightlife, and one of his posts shows him at the grave of Leobardo Aispuro ("El Gordo Peruci"), another influencer who was shot dead in December 2024. Police suggested Aispuro’s murder may have stemmed from a rivalry between two drug cartels in Sinaloa.
Violence in the state of Sinaloa has surged since the conflict between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza factions erupted in September 2024. In response, the Mexican government has deployed additional security forces to the region.
