A Mexican social media influencer, César Gastélum, was killed Tuesday evening while livestreaming on TikTok. Gastélum, who had over half a million followers and primarily posted comedy videos, was with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the Tres Ríos area of Culiacán when two individuals on a motorbike approached and one shot him at close range.
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During the livestream, Gastélum and his companions were wearing bright orange coats and bags commonly used by delivery drivers. Local media initially reported that police believed the victim was a delivery driver due to the attire, but authorities were later informed of his identity. The assailants fled the scene after the shooting. Police have cordoned off the area and are collecting evidence, including cartridge casings and CCTV footage, but no arrests have been made. It is currently unclear if Gastélum had received any threats.
On his Instagram account, Gastélum frequently shared images of his travels, nights out, and luxury cars. He had also posted pictures at the grave of Leobardo Aispuro, another influencer known as "El Gordo Peruci," who was killed in December 2024. Police suggested Aispuro's death might have been connected to a rivalry between factions of the Sinaloa cartel. Violence in Sinaloa, where Culiacán is located, has reportedly escalated since two factions, Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, had a falling out in September 2024.
This incident is not the first time a social media personality has been killed in Mexico. Last year, 23-year-old Valeria Márquez was fatally shot at a beauty salon while she was livestreaming on TikTok.
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