César Gastélum, Mexican Influencer, Fatally Shot During Live Broadcast

A Mexican TikTok star, César Gastélum, was killed tonight while livestreaming an evening out in Tres Ríos, a suburb of Culiacán. Two riders on a motorbike drove up to the gathering and fired a single shot, killing the 28‑year‑old.

Gastélum attracted more than half a million followers with comedy clips and vlogs of his travel adventures. His video was viewed by many in real time, but the fatal encounter was captured on his own camera feed.

Mexico has seen a disturbing pattern of influencers being attacked. In May 2025, 23‑year‑old Valeria Márquez was shot dead at a beauty salon while livestreaming. That case remains unsolved.

During the Culiacán episode, the trio wore bright orange coats and delivery‑style bags, leading police initially to mistake them for a delivery crew. Once the victim’s identity surfaced, investigators focused on the motorbike riders.

Authorities have secured the scene, collected cartridge casings, and traced CCTV footage, but no suspects have been identified yet. The motorbike riders fled, and the investigation is ongoing.

No concrete evidence suggests that Gastélum had received threats prior to the shooting.

The report highlights a broader crisis in Sinaloa, where the Los Chapitos and La Mayiza factions of the Sinaloa cartel have been engaged in violent confrontations since September 2024. The dispute has escalated to a level where the capital city has turned into an armed conflict zone.

Authorities continue to probe the case, searching for both the shooters and potential motives linked to cartel rivalry.