Mexican social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was fatally shot on Tuesday while broadcasting a livestream with friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the northwestern city of Culiacan. The incident occurred when two individuals on a motorcycle approached Gastelum and his companions. A recording of the livestream captured the motorcycle driver appearing to fire a weapon directly at Gastelum.
A security official in Sinaloa state confirmed Gastelum's death and stated that a significant security operation is currently underway.
The killing takes place amidst ongoing violence in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, a region characterized by conflicts between rival organized crime factions vying for control. This event echoes the May 2025 slaying of Valeria Marquez, a Mexican beauty influencer who was also shot and killed during a TikTok livestream at her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. Marquez, 23, was killed by a man who entered the salon and opened fire, according to prosecutors. Her death was investigated under femicide protocols.
In July, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, also known as “El R-1,” in Jalisco. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch identified him as the leader of a criminal cell associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Authorities have linked Alvarez Ayala to Marquez's killing and accused him of ordering and financing the November 2025 murder of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo.
Cesar Gastelum, @cesargastelum_57/Instagram