2025-05-15T22:48:54Z

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MEXICO CITY, Mexico - The shocking murder of Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer, is now under serious investigation by Mexico’s powerful security cabinet, as announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum during a press conference on Thursday. The case has drawn national attention not only for the tragic circumstances surrounding her death but also because it highlights the pervasive issue of violence against women in Mexico.

Authorities are treating Marquez’s death as a possible femicide, a term used to describe the killing of women or girls specifically due to their gender. This classification emphasizes the societal and cultural dynamics that often lead to such violent acts against women, making it a grave concern in a nation where incidents of gender-based violence are alarmingly high.

President Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to Marquez’s family, stating, “An investigation is under way to first find those responsible and the motive behind this situation.” This sentiment reflects a growing demand for justice and accountability in cases involving violence against women in Mexico.

Marquez was fatally shot on Tuesday while working at a beauty salon in Zapopan, a city located within the state of Jalisco. According to the state prosecutor's office, a man entered the salon and opened fire on Marquez. Although the investigation is still in its early stages, the prosecutor's office has not yet named any suspects.

In a chilling sequence of events, Marquez was livestreaming on TikTok just moments before her murder. During the stream, she was seen seated at a table holding a stuffed toy, when she suddenly remarked, “They’re coming,” in response to a voice in the background asking, “Hey, Vale?” Shortly thereafter, she muted the livestream, and moments later, she was shot. Eyewitnesses reported that a person was seen picking up her phone, their face briefly visible on the livestream before it abruptly ended.

Paramedics who arrived at the scene confirmed that Marquez succumbed to gunshot wounds to both her head and chest, as reported by the news outlet El Financiero. Earlier in her livestream, she had expressed concern about someone delivering an “expensive gift” to her at the salon while she was not present, indicating a level of anxiety about the unexpected visitor.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, the Jalisco prosecutor’s office clarified that there are currently no accusations against specific individuals concerning Marquez’s death. Femicide can manifest in various forms, including instances of degrading violence, sexual abuse, or even a connection to the murderer, making each case uniquely complex.

President Sheinbaum also indicated that the security cabinet, which includes senior ministers, is collaborating closely with local prosecutors to ensure the case is thoroughly investigated. This response underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address and combat femicide and gender-based violence in Mexico.

Tragically, Mexico has one of the highest rates of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean, tied with countries like Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. According to the latest statistics from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the rate stands at 1.3 femicides per 100,000 women as of 2023.

Within Mexico, Jalisco ranks sixth among the 32 states, including Mexico City, for overall homicide rates. Since President Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, there have been 909 recorded homicides in the state, according to data consultancy TResearch. This alarming trend highlights the urgent attention required to combat violence against women and to ensure safety for all citizens.