Valeria Marquez Assassinated During TikTok Live in Zapopan, Jalisco

San Francisco- US: On the evening of May 13, 2025, Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old TikTok influencer and model with over 90,000 followers, was brutally assassinated during a live stream from her beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. The shocking incident, captured on her phone, has sent ripples through Mexico and beyond, highlighting the pervasive violence against women and the normalization of crime in one of Mexico’s most affluent regions. The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the case as a feminicide, marking it as the eighth such investigation in May alone. This article delves into the tragic death of Valeria Marquez, the broader context of violence in Zapopan, and the societal implications of this high-profile case.

The Tragic Death of Valeria Marquez

Valeria Marquez was a rising star on TikTok, known for sharing glamorous content featuring fashion, beauty, and her life as the owner of Blossom The Beauty Lounge, a salon located in the Real del Carmen neighborhood of Zapopan. On the evening of her death, she was engaging with her audience during a TikTok live stream, a routine activity for the young influencer. According to reports, she paused the stream momentarily to receive what she believed was a delivery—a coffee and a stuffed toy sent by a friend. Moments later, a man posing as a delivery worker entered her salon and fired at least two shots, killing her instantly. The attack was partially captured on her live stream, leaving viewers and followers in disbelief.

Minutes before the attack, Valeria expressed unease during her live stream. She recounted a conversation with a friend who had warned her about a man on a motorcycle who had visited the salon multiple times, looking for her. “Maybe they were going to kill me… or kidnap me? I got worried,” she said, visibly shaken. These chilling words, now widely circulated on social media, have fueled speculation about the motive behind her murder.

The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has classified the case as a feminicide, a legal designation in Mexico that recognizes gender-based killings. Preliminary investigations suggest that Valeria may have been targeted due to a conflict with her ex-partner, whom she had previously accused of threatening her. In a now-deleted Instagram story, Valeria reportedly held her ex-partner responsible for any harm that might come to her or her family. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not released further details about suspects or motives.

Feminicide in Jalisco

The assassination of Valeria Marquez is not an isolated incident but part of a broader epidemic of violence against women in Jalisco. According to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Jalisco reported 1,944 homicides in 2024, with women accounting for a significant portion of victims. Nationwide, an average of 10 women are killed daily, with over 3,000 feminicides recorded annually, as reported by Amnesty International. In May 2025 alone, Jalisco opened eight feminicide investigations, underscoring the urgency of addressing gender-based violence in the state.

Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area, is often perceived as a prosperous and safe municipality. However, recent incidents, including the murder of former PRI federal deputy Luis Armando Córdova Díaz hours after Valeria’s death, reveal a darker reality. The municipality has seen a surge in violent crime, with organized crime groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) contributing to the instability. According to a 2024 report by the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, Guadalajara’s metropolitan area, which includes Zapopan, ranks among Mexico’s most violent urban centers.

Valeria Marquez’s case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of women in public-facing roles, such as influencers, who often share personal details online. The visibility of her live stream amplified the tragedy, raising questions about the safety of content creators in regions plagued by violence. Her death has also sparked discussions about the normalization of violence in Mexico, with social media users expressing both grief and desensitization to such events.

Role of Social Media in Amplifying Tragedy

Valeria Marquez’s assassination unfolded in real time on TikTok, a platform where she had built a following of nearly 100,000. The live stream, which captured her final moments, has since been removed from her official account, but clips and screenshots continue to circulate on social media. This has led to ethical debates about the viral spread of such content. Many users, including influencers and activists, have urged others not to share the full video out of respect for Valeria and her family.

Vivian de la Torre, a friend and fellow content creator who sent Valeria the coffee and stuffed toy during the live stream, has faced scrutiny online. In a statement, she clarified that the gifts were a routine gesture, as Valeria frequently received collaboration items at her salon. “I never imagined something like this could happen,” Vivian wrote, asking for respect during this sensitive time. Despite her explanation, the incident has highlighted the risks of public interactions for influencers, especially in high-crime areas like Zapopan.post:original

The proliferation of fake TikTok accounts impersonating Valeria Marquez has further complicated the narrative. These accounts, which emerged shortly after her death, appear to exploit her tragedy for clout, underscoring the challenges of managing misinformation in the digital age. Trendsnip.com readers are encouraged to verify sources before engaging with content related to Valeria Marquez asesinada, as false narratives can harm ongoing investigations and the victim’s legacy.

Societal Impact

The murder of Valeria Marquez has reignited calls for stronger measures to combat feminicide and violent crime in Mexico. Activists and organizations, such as the National Citizen Observatory on Femicide, have long advocated for systemic changes, including better training for law enforcement, stricter penalties for perpetrators, and public awareness campaigns to challenge gender-based violence. In 2024, the Mexican government allocated $150 million to programs aimed at reducing violence against women, but critics argue that implementation remains inconsistent.

Valeria’s case has also shed light on the psychological toll of living in a region where violence is pervasive. Her comment about fearing for her life reflects a broader reality for many women in Jalisco, who navigate daily risks amid rising crime rates. According to a 2023 survey by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), 7 out of 10 women in urban areas like Zapopan feel unsafe in public spaces. This statistic underscores the need for community-driven solutions, such as safe spaces and support networks for women.

On social media, the hashtag #ValeriaMarquez has trended alongside expressions of grief and demands for justice. However, some comments have revealed a troubling acceptance of violence, with a minority of users justifying the attack based on unverified rumors about Valeria’s personal life. This highlights the dual role of social media as both a platform for advocacy and a space where harmful narratives can spread.