Mexico arrests man for killing influencer on livestream

Mexican authorities have arrested a man in connection with the killing of social media influencer Cesar Gastelum, who was shot dead during a livestream on August 4. The incident took place in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, a region known for cartel violence.

Gastelum, who had over 500,000 followers on TikTok, was reportedly dressed as a food delivery worker and participating in a social media challenge when a motorcycle carrying two riders stopped beside him. One of the riders then shot him in the head.

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch announced that the alleged killer was apprehended in the state of Puebla. During the arrest operation, police engaged with three armed individuals, resulting in the death of one assailant. Authorities also arrested another person alongside the suspected killer of Gastelum.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Gastelum's killing may be linked to his social media activity, specifically posts that "alluded to a faction of a criminal group." This incident occurs amidst a violent conflict between two major factions of the Sinaloa Cartel and associated armed groups, which has led to thousands of deaths and disappearances in the northwestern state.

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alluding to a faction of a criminal group