Beauty influencer Valeria Marquez shot dead during TikTok live stream in Mexico

In a chilling crime that shocked Mexico and left social media in shock, 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Mrquez was shot dead while live-streaming on TikTok from a salon on the outskirts of Guadalajara.

Followed by over three lakh for her beauty and lifestyle secrets, the influencer was shot dead by a disguised delivery driver on Tuesday in what officials suspect was a contract killing.

“Maybe they were going to kill me,” Mrquez said nervously on her TikTok live minutes before she was shot. “Were they going to come and take me away, or what? I’m worried.”

Those would be her final words. Moments later, she was handed a stuffed animal and a bag of Starbucks coffee by the man, who then shot her in the head and chest on camera. She collapsed midstream as viewers watched in horror.

TikTok has since taken down her account.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration is working with local investigators to track down the killer and extended her condolences to Mrquez’s family.

According to Denis Rodrguez, spokesperson for the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office, the attack appears to have been carefully orchestrated. Hours before the shooting, two men — one masked, one on a motorcycle — visited the beauty salon where Mrquez was later killed, claiming they had a “very expensive” gift for her that had to be delivered in person.

When Mrquez arrived and was told about the visitors, her fear was palpable. Prosecutors believe the men were hired hitmen and that the shooter did not know her personally.

“The aggressor arrived asking if the victim (Mrquez) was there. So it appears he didn’t know her,” Rodrguez said. “With that, you can deduce — without jumping to conclusions — that this was a person who was paid. It was obviously someone who came with a purpose.”

The shocking incident took place in Jalisco, a region marred by cartel violence and under the influence of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Rodrguez noted that assassins on motorcycles — known as sicarios — are frequently used in targeted killings across the state.