Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok in the northern city of Culiacán, authorities have confirmed.
Gastélum, who had more than 500,000 followers on TikTok, was filming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the Tres Ríos district on Tuesday evening when two men on a motorcycle approached them. One of the assailants reportedly opened fire at close range before both suspects fled the scene.
The influencer, known for posting comedy videos, died at the scene.
According to local media reports, Gastélum and his companions were wearing bright orange jackets and delivery bags commonly used by food delivery riders. Their attire initially led investigators to believe the victim was a delivery worker before authorities later confirmed his identity as a popular content creator.
Police and forensic experts cordoned off the area and are examining spent cartridge casings and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage as part of the investigation. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing.
Officials also said it remains unclear whether Gastélum had received any threats before the attack.
Beyond his comedy content, Gastélum frequently shared photos of his travels, nightlife and luxury cars on Instagram.
One of his social media posts showed him visiting the grave of fellow influencer Leobardo Aispuro, popularly known as “El Gordo Peruci,” who was shot dead in December 2024. Investigators at the time said Aispuro’s killing may have been linked to the violent rivalry between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel.
Gastélum’s death is the latest in a series of attacks targeting social media personalities in Mexico.
In 2025, 23-year-old TikTok influencer Valeria Márquez was also shot dead while livestreaming from a beauty salon, in a case that sparked widespread outrage.
The latest killing comes amid escalating violence in Sinaloa State, where clashes between the rival cartel factions, Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, have intensified since their split in September 2024, fuelling a surge in deadly attacks across the region.
