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A chilling livestream ended in tragedy on Monday when 23‑year‑old beauty influencer Valeria Marquez was shot dead in her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Marquez had more than 100,000 Instagram followers and regularly engaged fans on TikTok. In her final broadcast, she greeted viewers as she opened the door to receive a small parcel.

“He’s a little piglet!” she laughed, unveiling a stuffed animal and tossing her long blonde hair. Moments later, a gunshot rang out. Marquez slumped forward, blood pooling on her desk, even as the camera continued to stream. The livestream cut only when another person grabbed her phone, briefly revealing their face to shocked viewers.

Authorities Investigate as Suspected Femicide

Jalisco’s Attorney General’s office is treating Marquez’s death as a suspected femicide—the gender‑based killing of women. Investigators say a male intruder forced his way into the salon shortly before the shooting. They are working to establish his identity and motive.

While not all women’s murders in Mexico are classified as femicides, a large portion are. In 2020, Amnesty International reported that 25% of female homicides nationwide were investigated as femicides. Mexican government data show:

• 847 femicides in 2024
• 162 femicides in the first quarter of 2025

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A Pattern of Violence Against Women

Marquez’s death is the latest in a string of high‑profile livestream killings. Just days earlier, a female mayoral candidate in Veracruz was shot dead mid-broadcast, along with three others. These incidents underscore the dangers faced by prominent women in Mexico.

Human Rights Watch Americas Director Juanita Goebertus highlighted systemic failures: “In 2022, around 4,000 women were killed in Mexico—12% of all homicides. Yet only about 6–7% of femicide cases lead to convictions.” She stressed the need for stronger investigations and better protection for victims and witnesses.

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Community Shock and Calls for Action

The online beauty community has mourned Marquez’s brutal death. Fans, fellow influencers, and rights groups are demanding justice. Locals in Zapopan have held vigils at her salon, leaving flowers and candles outside its doors.

Human rights advocates call on Mexican authorities to:

• Speed up the investigation into Marquez’s killing
• Improve witness protection to encourage testimony
• Hold perpetrators accountable to curb the femicide rate

Mexico’s Broader Homicide Challenge

Mexico struggles with one of the world’s highest murder rates. Despite government efforts, many cases stall before trial. Rights groups say under‑resourced police and corruption hamper progress. Goebertus pointed to the need for:

• More forensic training
• Better coordination between state and federal agencies
• Clear protocols for investigating gender‑based violence

Valeria Marquez’s final moments, broadcast live to her fans, have become a grim symbol of the risks Mexican women face. As the investigation unfolds, her supporters hope her death will spur concrete change in the fight against femicide.

📢 Follow TNN for ongoing coverage of the Valeria Marquez case, Mexico’s femicide crisis, and human rights news in Latin America. 🚨