Mexican influencer shot dead during livestream

César Gastélum, a prominent Mexican influencer with over half a million followers on TikTok, was tragically killed while live streaming on the platform. The incident occurred in Tres Ríos, a northern city in Culiacán on Tuesday evening. Gastélum was filming with two companions outside a fast food restaurant when two men on a motorbike approached him, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound.

Known for his comedic videos, Gastélum's attire during the incident, including bright orange coats and delivery driver bags, initially led police to mistakenly believe he was a delivery driver. Local authorities swiftly cordoned off the area and began investigating the scene, examining cartridge casings, CCTV footage, and searching for any potential threats.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the motorbike riders who executed the act continue to evade capture. The motive behind Gastélum's murder remains undisclosed. Notably, Gastélum had a history of sharing luxurious travel photos and nightlife moments on his Instagram, even commemorating another influencer, Leobardo Aispuro, who was also murdered in December 2024.

The escalating violence in Sinaloa, where Culiacán serves as the capital, can be traced back to the feud between two Sinaloa cartel factions - Los Chapitos and La Mayiza - that began in September 2024.