Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum was shot dead while on a live video stream on TikTok. This happened outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán on Tuesday, August 5th.
Gastélum, who is famous for posting comedy videos on the platform, was livestreaming with two friends when two men arrived on a motorcycle.
One of the suspects reportedly shot him at close range before he fled the scene.
According to local media, police initially believed the victim was a delivery rider because he and his friends were wearing bright yellow jackets and carrying delivery bags. Authorities later confirmed his identity.
No arrests have been made. Police said they are examining cartridge casings recovered from the scene and reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killing, and it remains unclear whether Gastélum had received threats before the attack.
ALSO READ: Mexican Influencer Valeria Marquez Killed During Livestream
His death is the latest in a series of killings involving social media personalities in Mexico.
Reports that in May 2025, beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, 23, was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok from a salon in Zapopan.
The Jalisco state prosecutor’s office reported that a man entered the salon in the Zapopan suburb and fired at Marquez during her livestream.
The video shows her sitting at a table holding a stuffed animal moments before the fatal shooting. The livestream abruptly ends when another person picks up her phone and stops the recording.
Mexican Influencer Valeria Marquez Killed During Livestream
Officials treated the case as a femicide, a gender-based killing.
Gender-based violence is a serious issue in Mexico, where the United Nations reports that on average, 10 women or girls are murdered daily by partners or family members.
Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. Her fans expressed shock and sorrow following the news.
