Mexican influencer César Gastélum shot dead during live stream in Culiacán
Authorities say they are investigating posts and security footage as cartel violence continues in Sinaloa
L'essentiel
- César Gastélum, a Mexican influencer with nearly 600,000 TikTok followers, was shot dead while livestreaming outside a restaurant in Culiacán.
- Authorities say they are investigating possible links to criminal groups and analyzing evidence.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
The article says Culiacán has become an epicentre of violence as factions of the Sinaloa cartel battle for control of the city. It also notes that at least 12 social media influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since September 2024.
A popular Mexican influencer has been shot dead while doing a live stream on social media outside a restaurant in Sinaloa state, where lethal cartel violence has become widespread.
César Gastélum, who had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and was known for making comedy videos, was filming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the city of Culiacán. The three were dressed in the bright orange jackets and backpacks of food delivery drivers.
A motorcycle with a driver and pillion rider suddenly pulled up beside them and the driver pulled out a gun and shot Gastélum at point-blank range.
A security official in Sinaloa confirmed Gastélum’s death to Reuters and said a major security operation was under way.
The killing is the latest example of bloodshed in Culiacán, which has become an epicentre of violence as factions of the Sinaloa cartel battle for control of the city.
Mexico’s security cabinet wrote on X that it was investigating several of Gastélum’s posts, “some of which referred to a faction of a criminal group”. It also said video surveillance footage and other evidence were being analysed to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said on Wednesday that authorities were investigating the killing and working to identify the killer.
“The actual perpetrators, and if applicable the mastermind, must be arrested, and the reason behind this tragic homicide must be uncovered,” she said in her morning press conference.
At least 12 social media influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since two factions of the Sinaloa cartel began their battle in September 2024, according to local media.
They have also been targeted in Jalisco state. Valeria Márquez, 23, was shot and killed at a beauty salon last year while live-streaming on TikTok, where she had thousands of followers.
Authorities announced last week that they had arrested Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, the leader of a criminal cell with links to the Jalisco New Generation cartel, in relation to the killing.
À surveiller
Perspective IA — des possibilités, pas des certitudes
Authorities will continue analyzing video surveillance and other evidence to identify the shooter and any possible mastermind.
Très probable · En quelques jours
The case will likely be discussed alongside other influencer killings linked to cartel violence in Mexico.
Probable · En quelques semaines
Questions ouvertes
- What exactly in Gastélum’s posts drew investigators’ attention?
- Who carried out the shooting and who ordered it?
- Whether the attack was directly linked to cartel factions or another motive
- What evidence was recovered from the scene and surveillance footage
