On May 13, 2025, Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez was shot and killed during a live broadcast from her beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
Now 23 years old and a prominent presence on TikTok and Instagram, Marquez shared beauty and lifestyle content. The attack, partially captured on video, has generated commotion and reignited the debate on gender violence in Mexico.
Details of the attack
During the broadcast, Marquez mentioned that someone had tried to give him an “expensive gift” earlier.
Shortly thereafter, a man disguised as a delivery man entered the salon and shot him in the chest and head.
The assailant fled on a motorcycle.
The Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the case as a femicide, although no arrests have yet been made.
Reactions and context
Márquez’s death has generated outrage in social networks.
Mexico faces high rates of femicide, with a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 women, according to UN data. Jalisco is one of the states most affected by this violence.
The suspicion of what happened to Valeria Márquez
Valeria Márquez was just beginning to stand out in the world of social networks as she described herself as a model and winner of Miss Rostro 2021. She had 101 thousand followers on TikTok and 80 thousand on Instagram.
Minutes before the murder, she herself had told her TikTok followers that her beautician employees had warned her about a man who would leave her a gift.
“What do you think happened to me? Today I was doing some little things and Erika called me and said ‘hey baby, they’re bringing you something but they want to give it to you’, and I said ‘I’ll be there in about an hour’, but she said ‘it’s something very expensive’, but who’s going to give me something as a gift?
A lo mejor me iban a matar ¿no?... Un regalo costoso... En una hora regreso... ¿y en qué venía, en moto? Me iban a levantar o que... Me quedé preocupada...
Valeria Márquez
The danger of women in Mexico
Buzzy
This incident highlights the dangers faced by women in Mexico and the importance of addressing gender-based violence.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, especially those with family members in Mexico, it is crucial to stay informed and support initiatives that promote security and gender equity.
The tragic death of Valeria Márquez highlights the urgent need to combat gender-based violence and protect women in all areas.
Her legacy as an influencer and advocate for beauty and female empowerment will live on in the memory of her followers.
Here are the powerful images of the murder of Valeria Márquez.
Find out more at QuéOnnda.com.
