Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum has been shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok in the northern city of Culiacán.
The attack happened on Tuesday evening outside a fast-food restaurant in the Tres Ríos district, where Gastélum was filming with two friends.
According to local reports, two men riding a motorcycle approached the group before one of them opened fire at close range. Gastélum died at the scene.
The influencer had amassed more than 500,000 followers on TikTok, where he was widely known for posting comedy and entertainment videos.
Attack Captured During Livestream
Witnesses said Gastélum and his companions were wearing bright orange jackets and delivery bags commonly associated with food delivery riders.
The clothing initially led responding officers to believe the victim was a delivery worker before authorities confirmed his identity. Police quickly sealed off the area while forensic investigators collected cartridge casings and reviewed nearby CCTV footage.
The two attackers fled the scene on the motorcycle and no arrests have been announced. Authorities have not said whether Gastélum had previously received threats or whether investigators have identified a motive.
Latest Influencer Killed in Mexico
Gastélum regularly shared photos of his travels, luxury vehicles and social life on Instagram in addition to his TikTok content. One of his posts showed him visiting the grave of Leobardo Aispuro, also known online as “El Gordo Peruci.”
Aispuro was shot dead in December 2024 in a killing that police linked to the violent conflict between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The latest killing comes more than a year after beauty influencer Valeria Márquez was fatally shot while livestreaming from her salon.
Violence Continues in Sinaloa
Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa State, has experienced sustained violence since September 2024, when rival cartel factions Los Chapitos and La Mayiza began fighting for control following an internal split.
The ongoing conflict has fuelled a rise in assassinations, kidnappings and armed attacks across the region. Police say investigations into Gastélum’s killing remain ongoing.
