A Mexican influencer was fatally shot while live streaming on TikTok in Sinaloa state. Two assailants on a motorcycle fled the scene without being caught by police.
Foreign news agencies reported on 5 Aug 2026 that César Gastélum, a Mexican influencer, was shot dead during a TikTok live stream on the evening of Tuesday, 4 Aug, while police are investigating evidence to track down the suspects who escaped unharmed.
On the day of the incident, Gastélum, who had over 500,000 TikTok followers, was live streaming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the Tres Ríos neighborhood of Culiacán, northern Mexico, when two men on a motorcycle approached, and one shot him at point-blank range.
In the live stream, Gastélum and his friends wore coats and bright orange bags, resembling food delivery riders' uniforms. Local media reported that police initially believed the victim was a delivery rider, but later confirmed his identity.
Police and forensic experts cordoned off the area and are examining bullet casings and CCTV footage for further clues. So far, no arrests have been made, and it remains unclear whether Gastélum had received any prior threats.
Gastélum was known for creating humorous video clips, while his Instagram account often featured travel photos, nightlife scenes, and luxury car selfies.
One of his posts showed him standing at the grave of Leobardo Ispuro, an influencer nicknamed "El Gordo Peruci," who was shot dead in December 2024. Police indicated that this killing might be linked to conflicts between two Sinaloa drug cartel factions.
Last year, 23-year-old influencer Valeria Márquez was also shot dead at a beauty salon while live streaming on TikTok.
Violence in Sinaloa, whose capital is Culiacán, has intensified since September 2024 when two powerful groups, Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, split and have been fighting for control ever since.
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Source:BBC