Mexican influencer shot dead during livestream

By Vanessa Buschschlüter, Latin America online editor

César Gastélum, a TikTok star with more than half a million followers, was shot to death on a Tuesday evening while live‑streaming with two friends outside a fast‑food restaurant in the Tres Ríos neighbourhood of Culiacán’s northern city centre.

Two men on a motorbike appeared and a single shot, fired at close range, caused the fatal injuries. The assailants fled the scene – no arrests have yet been made, and investigators are combing the area for cartridge casings and examining nearby CCTV footage.

Gastélum’s feed, in bright orange coats and delivery‑driver‑style bags, initially misled police into thinking he was a courier, but his identity was quickly confirmed. He had built a comedic niche on TikTok, sharing travel snaps, nightlife footage and portraits in front of luxury cars.

This is not the first Mexico‑wide news story of a live‑broadcast influencer being killed. Last year, 23‑year‑old Valeria Márquez was murdered at a beauty salon while livestreaming. Márquez’s death was linked by police to the escalating feud between two Sinaloa cartel factions, Los Chapitos and La Mayiza.

Sinaloa’s violence has erupted from this split, with the state capital Culiacán turning into a foreboding arena for cartel power plays. The government has increased security presence in the region in response.

In a digital era where avatars and virtual presence dominate daily life, Gastélum’s fatal shooting is a stark reminder that the metaverse can bleed into physical reality in dangerous ways. Law enforcement and community groups are calling for greater awareness and protective measures for creators who can become targets of violent crime.

For more coverage on this incident:

“Valeria Márquez: Who was Mexican influencer killed live on TikTok?” (Published 16 May 2025)

“Fear is everywhere”: BBC reports from Mexican city turned into war zone by drug cartel feud (Published 25 February)