Mexican social media influencer shot dead while livestreaming

Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum was killed Tuesday evening while livestreaming with friends outside a fast food restaurant in the northwestern city of Culiacán.

The attack occurred in the Tres Ríos area when two individuals on a motorcycle approached Gastélum and his companions. One of the assailants then shot the influencer at close range. The attackers fled the scene on the motorcycle, and authorities have not yet made any arrests. Forensic experts and security operatives cordoned off the area to collect evidence, including spent cartridge casings and CCTV footage.

Gastélum, who had over 500,000 followers on TikTok, was known for his comedy videos. Initial police reports suggested the victim might have been a delivery worker due to the bright orange jackets and bags worn by Gastélum and his friends, which are commonly used by delivery riders. His identity was later confirmed.

This incident is the latest in a disturbing trend of violence targeting social media personalities in Mexico. In December 2024, fellow influencer Leobardo Aispuro, known as “El Gordo Peruci,” was shot dead, a killing authorities linked to rivalry within the Sinaloa cartel. In 2025, 23-year-old Valeria Márquez was also fatally shot while livestreaming from a beauty salon. The escalating violence in Sinaloa State, particularly clashes between the Los Chapitos and La Mayiza factions of the Sinaloa cartel, has intensified since September 2024, contributing to a volatile environment.