MEXICO CITY: The shocking murder of Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old social media influencer renowned for her beauty and makeup videos, has ignited a wave of outrage and disbelief across Mexico. Marquez was tragically shot to death during a live TikTok session, an incident that underscores the alarming rates of gender-based violence that plague the nation.

The horrifying event unfolded on Tuesday, May 13, while Marquez was streaming from the beauty salon where she worked in the city of Zapopan. According to a statement released by the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office, Marquez was shot by a man who entered the salon, executing the act in a brazen manner that reflects a growing trend of violence against women in the country.

In response to the murder, authorities have confirmed that investigations will proceed under femicide protocols. Femicide, defined as the killing of women and girls due to their gender, often involves a range of degrading acts, including sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and the public display of victimized bodies. These protocols aim to address the deeper issues of misogyny and violence that women face in Mexico.

Valeria Marquez's final moments were captured on her livestream. Just moments before the shooting, she was seen sitting at a table, holding a stuffed toy, and engaging with her audience. In a chilling interaction, she reportedly said, “they're coming,” when a voice off-screen called her name, “Hey, Vale?” To this, she responded affirmatively before muting her livestream. This eerie exchange foreshadowed the tragic event that would unfold just seconds later.

Witnesses to the livestream reported that shortly after Marquez muted her microphone, she was lethally shot. The video ended abruptly as an unidentified person appeared to pick up her phone, their face briefly visible on the screen, amplifying the horror of the situation. This shocking incident has not only sparked outrage among her followers but has also brought attention to the broader issue of violence against women in Mexico.

As the investigation continues, many are calling for justice for Valeria Marquez, and there is a renewed urgency for action against the pervasive culture of violence that threatens women in the country. The killing has reignited discussions about the need for stronger protections for women, stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, and greater awareness about the risks that female public figures face.