Cesar Gastelum, a 25-year-old lifestyle influencer with over 500,000 TikTok followers, was shot and killed on the evening of 4/8 while livestreaming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, Mexico. The three were dressed as food delivery staff, participating in an online challenge.
Video footage circulating on social media shows two men on a motorcycle approaching Gastelum before one shot him in the head. The livestream was immediately cut and later removed by the platform; however, recordings of the attack continue to be shared online.
Local police confirmed Gastelum's death at the scene. Authorities have not yet apprehended the two suspects, and it remains unclear if Gastelum had received prior threats. On his Instagram, Gastelum frequently shared photos of travel, nightlife parties, and posing with supercars.
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TikToker Cesar Gastelum with over 500,000 followers on TikTok. *Photo: Instagram/Cesar Gastelum* |
The incident occurs amid a significant escalation of violence in Sinaloa state, which began in 9/2024. This surge is attributed to clashes between rival gangs, Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, sparking an internal conflict for control of the region's underworld.
Gastelum's death draws parallels to the shocking murder of Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer, in 5/2025. Marquez was also shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok at the beauty salon where she worked in Zapopan city, Jalisco state.
In 7/2026, Mexican authorities arrested Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, the leader of a criminal group linked to the notorious CJNG gang. Investigations indicate Alvarez Ayala's alleged involvement in Marquez's murder, as well as directing and financing the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan city, in 11/2025.
By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)
