Who Was Valeria Marquez? | The Story Behind the Valeria Marquez TikTok Shooting
Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer, tragically died during a live TikTok stream. She was broadcasting from Blossom the Beauty Lounge in Zapopan, Jalisco when a fatal shooting occurred
According to local authorities, the attacker posed as a delivery person and entered the salon before opening fire. Witnesses said Marquez appeared visibly nervous just before the incident. During the livestream, she mentioned that someone had recently brought an extravagant gift to her salon.
What Happened During the Valeria Marquez TikTok Shooting Livestream?
Just before the shooting, Valeria was seen holding a stuffed animal and engaging with someone offscreen. Her final words on the stream, “They’re coming,” revealed her apparent concern. She muted the audio shortly after and was shot moments later. The video feed ended when another individual picked up her phone and ended the broadcast.
Who Do Authorities Suspect in the Attack?
Regional media have named Ricardo Ruiz Velazco—also called ‘El Doble RR’ or ‘RR’—as a suspect in the attack. Reports say he holds a senior role in the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), a powerful criminal group active in the region where Valeria Marquez was killed.
What Is the Motive Behind the Killing?
Although the exact motive remains under investigation, authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of gender-based violence. Mexico has one of the highest rates of femicide in Latin America. Reports reveal that an average of 10 women are killed each day in Mexico, often by people they know. Since October 2024, authorities have recorded over 900 female homicides in Jalisco, placing the state sixth nationwide for gender-based killings.
Despite the severity of the crime, local officials confirmed that Valeria had not filed any complaints or reported receiving threats before the incident.
Who Was Valeria Marquez Beyond Social Media?
Valeria’s followers admired her beauty content and charismatic presence. She had nearly 200,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram at the time of her death, a number that has since grown posthumously. She worked as a beautician and business owner at Blossom the Beauty Lounge, where she filmed much of her content.
Her untimely death has sparked conversations about violence against women in Mexico and the growing dangers influencers face in public life.
