This Popular Mexican Influencer Was Shot And Killed During A TikTok Livestream
Mexican authorities were investigating whether Gastélum’s murder was connected to a faction of a criminal group.
This popular Mexican influencer was shot and killed while he was livestreaming on social media, and authorities are investigating whether it is related to cartels.
24-year-old César Gastélum, a content creator known for comedy videos who had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok alone, was killed while he was livestreaming outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, Sinaloa state, on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Gastélum had been filming with two of his friends, when two men approached them on a motorbike and the driver shot Gastélum at close range with a gun before the men fled the scene.
A security official in Sinaloa confirmed Gastélum's death and said a major security operation was underway.
Since 2024, lethal cartel violence has become widespread in Sinaloa after two rival factions fell out and began battling for control of the city.
Mexican authorities said they were investigating whether Gastélum’s murder was connected to some of his social media posts that appeared to reference a faction of a criminal group.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said authorities were also reviewing security camera footage and other evidence to identify both the gunman and anyone who may have ordered the killing.
No arrests have so far been announced, and authorities have not confirmed a motive.
The cartel violence in Sinaloa has killed and displaced thousands of people, according to the International Crisis Group, and at least 12 social media influencers have reportedly been murdered in Culiacán since the fighting began, according to local media.
Gastélum's murder comes after another influencer, 23-year-old Valeria Márquez, who had thousands of followers on social media, was shot and killed at a beauty salon during a TikTok livestream from Jalisco state in May 2025.
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