Mexican TikToker Shot Dead During Live Stream
Sarah Shamim
Cesar Gastelum, a 24-year-old Mexican TikToker, was shot dead during a live stream in Culiacan amid escalating drug gang violence in the region. The attack occurred while he was broadcasting from a parking lot, and authorities are investigating the motive.
A prominent Mexican TikToker was shot dead by gunmen on motorcycles near the northern city of Culiacan while live streaming an event to his followers.
Culiacan lies at the heart of ongoing violence between factions battling for control of the city. Mexican media report that at least 12 social media content creators have been killed in Culiacan since September 2024.
Who was the victim?
Gastelum, 24, was a social media content creator who produced humorous and lifestyle videos, primarily on TikTok. His account had over 700,000 followers and his latest video was posted on Sunday.
What happened?
On Tuesday, Gastelum was doing a regular live stream for his followers from the parking lot of a KFC in the Tres Rios district of Culiacan, along with two friends. Around 8:15 p.m. local time (2:15 a.m. GMT), mid-broadcast, Gastelum was shot dead by attackers who approached on motorcycles.
The three men were wearing bright orange clothing and delivery bags, similar to those used by delivery drivers, which initially led police to mistake Gastelum for a delivery driver. Video footage of the fatal moment shows Gastelum laughing and talking with two others in the parking lot when two helmeted men on a motorcycle arrived. One pulled out a gun and fired at Gastelum, then both quickly fled.
The shooting occurred near the local prosecutor's office. The two others with Gastelum during the live stream were unharmed.
What was the motive?
Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a motive behind Gastelum's killing. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said authorities are investigating, stressing the need to capture the perpetrators, as well as any masterminds, and to clarify the causes leading to this tragic murder.
Mexico's federal security cabinet said it is analyzing Gastelum's social media posts, some of which referenced a faction within a criminal group. In addition, authorities are reviewing surveillance cameras in the area, coordinating with the Sinaloa state attorney general's office.
Sinaloa is suffering a severe internal war between rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel following the arrest of co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in July 2024, creating a power vacuum. In one social media post, Gastelum appeared in front of the grave of Leobardo Aispuro, nicknamed “El Gordo Peruci,” a TikToker who was shot dead in December 2024.
Similar incidents
Previously, in May 2025, beauty TikToker Valeria Marquez, 23, was also shot dead during a live stream at the salon where she worked in Zapopan, Jalisco. A man entered the salon and opened fire. The case is being investigated under Mexico's femicide protocol.
In July, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, nicknamed “El R-1,” identified as the leader of a criminal gang linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Officials allege Alvarez Ayala ordered Marquez's murder and also planned and funded the killing of Uruapan city mayor Carlos Manzo in November 2025.
