Lead
Mexican social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed on Tuesday while broadcasting live with friends outside a fast food restaurant in Culiacan, in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, local authorities confirmed. The attack occurred in a busy commercial plaza near the state prosecutor's office, and a major security operation has been launched.
Details of the Attack
Gastelum, known for his comedy content on TikTok, was live with two friends, all dressed as delivery drivers as part of a video challenge, when a motorcycle carrying two people pulled up beside them. Footage from the livestream showed the driver shooting directly at Gastelum's head, after which the broadcast cut out. The video was later taken down by the platform, but portions continued to circulate online.
Initial police reports described the victim as a delivery worker; he was later identified as Gastelum, who local media reported was around 25 years old. The two friends with him were unharmed.
Response and Context
A security official in Sinaloa confirmed Gastelum's death and said a major security operation was underway. Soldiers and police were seen at the scene, while forensic investigators collected evidence. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters that authorities are investigating the case.
Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, has been gripped by violence for the past two years amid an internal power struggle within the region's dominant drug cartel. Mexican media have reported that at least 12 social media influencers have been killed in Culiacan since September 2024. The killing echoes the May 2025 death of beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, who was shot while livestreaming at her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco.
Arrest in Related Case
In a separate development, authorities announced the arrest of Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, also known as "El R-1," in connection with the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch identified Álvarez Ayala as the leader of Los Rs, a criminal cell linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Officials allege Álvarez Ayala ordered and financed the November 2025 assassination of Mayor Manzo, and his cell was also linked to the May 2025 killing of Valeria Marquez, whose former boyfriend is Álvarez Ayala's son. García Harfuch said the organization is involved in extortion, murders, and drug trafficking, directly affecting producers, business owners, and families in the region.