Suspects Identified in Shocking Murder of Beauty Influencer Valeria Marquez During TikTok Livestream
JALISCO, MEXICO — The murder of Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer and salon owner, has gripped the nation and sparked international outrage, as disturbing new details emerge about what appears to be a calculated setup that ended in her execution-style killing during a TikTok livestream.
Authorities in Jalisco have now identified suspects in what they are formally investigating as a femicide—a gender-based killing that continues to plague parts of Mexico. Marquez was gunned down on Tuesday inside her own business, Blossom the Beauty Lounge, during a live broadcast on the popular social media platform TikTok. The horrific moment sent shockwaves across the internet as thousands of viewers witnessed the chaos unfold in real time before the stream was abruptly cut off.
Chilling Plot Unfolds: Leaked Messages Reveal Setup
Investigators have uncovered damning evidence that suggests Marquez may have been deliberately lured to her death by people she knew and trusted. At the center of the investigation are two women allegedly linked to the influencer—Erika, a coworker present with Marquez during the broadcast, and Viviana, a friend who had reportedly sent her coffee and a stuffed animal as a gift earlier in the day.
Leaked private messages between Erika and Viviana—now circulating on social media and reportedly in the hands of law enforcement—paint a chilling picture of betrayal and manipulation. According to sources close to the investigation, the messages indicate that Marquez had been convinced to remain at the salon late into the afternoon under the promise of receiving an “expensive gift.”
This supposed surprise turned out to be part of a sinister plot.
The Ambush
Marquez was seated in her salon, smiling and interacting with her followers during a TikTok livestream when gunfire suddenly erupted. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and moments later, the stream went dark. Authorities say the attack was swift and targeted, carried out by assailants who stormed into the salon with the clear intent to kill.
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, Erika, who had been beside Marquez, quickly ended the livestream and disappeared from public view in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Her abrupt behavior has raised red flags among investigators, especially in light of the incriminating messages that have surfaced.
Femicide Investigation Launched
Police in Jalisco have confirmed that the killing is being investigated as a femicide, a legal designation in Mexico that denotes a murder motivated by misogyny or domestic and interpersonal violence against women. Femicide carries significantly harsher penalties under Mexican law and reflects the country’s growing effort to address gender-based violence.
“Based on preliminary findings, we believe this was a premeditated act involving individuals close to the victim,” a spokesperson for the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office said. “The crime scene, digital evidence, and witness testimony all point toward a targeted killing with multiple persons of interest.”
Community and Online Outrage
The murder has triggered widespread outrage, both online and in Marquez’s local community. Fellow influencers, followers, and women’s rights advocates have taken to social media to demand justice using hashtags like #JusticiaParaValeria and #NiUnaMás (Not One More). Candlelight vigils have been held outside Blossom the Beauty Lounge, now marked with flowers, photos, and handwritten notes mourning a young woman whose life was senselessly taken.
Marquez was known for her vibrant personality, skilled beauty tutorials, and inspirational posts encouraging young women to pursue entrepreneurship and self-love. With thousands of followers across multiple platforms, she had become a rising star in Mexico’s digital beauty scene.
Justice Pending
At this time, no arrests have been officially confirmed, but law enforcement has reportedly named Erika and Viviana as persons of interest and is working to determine their exact roles in the crime. Surveillance footage, digital communications, and forensic evidence are all being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We will not rest until all those responsible are brought to justice,” said the prosecutor’s office. “This was not only an attack on Valeria, but on every woman whose life is threatened by systemic violence and betrayal.”
As the case develops, the world continues to watch, hoping for justice in a tragedy that has come to symbolize the dark intersections of trust, violence, and the digital age.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.