A popular Mexican content creator was fatally shot while broadcasting live on TikTok in the northern city of Culiacán, authorities have confirmed.
César Gastélum was attacked on Tuesday evening outside a fast-food outlet in the Tres Ríos district.
Witnesses said two men arrived on a motorcycle before one of them opened fire at close range.
Gastélum was streaming with two companions at the time of the attack.
The social media personality had built an audience of more than 500,000 followers on TikTok, where he was widely known for producing humorous and entertaining videos.
According to local reports, investigators initially believed the victim worked as a food delivery rider because he and his companions were dressed in bright orange jackets and carrying insulated delivery bags.
His identity was later verified after officials received additional information.
Security personnel sealed off the crime scene while forensic teams collected ballistic evidence and reviewed surveillance camera recordings to assist the investigation.
The gunmen escaped immediately after the shooting, and no suspects have been taken into custody.
Authorities have not indicated whether Gastélum had previously reported receiving threats.
Beyond his TikTok content, Gastélum regularly shared images on Instagram featuring trips, social events and luxury vehicles.
One of his previous posts showed him visiting the gravesite of influencer Leobardo Aispuro, popularly known as “El Gordo Peruci,” who was killed in December 2024.
Investigators previously suggested Aispuro’s death may have been connected to the ongoing conflict between rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel.
The latest killing comes as violence continues to intensify across Sinaloa, particularly in Culiacán, following a power struggle that erupted in September 2024 between the criminal groups known as Los Chapitos and La Mayiza.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong