Valeria Marquez, a popular 23-year-old beauty influencer, was shot dead during a TikTok livestream at her salon in Zapopan, Mexico, revealing the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in the country.

Marquez's tragic death highlights the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Mexico, where the United Nations reports that an average of 10 women or girls are murdered every day. As investigators pursue her case under femicide protocols, the shocking nature of her murder, captured live on social media, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and action to combat violence against women.

Marquez boasted tens of thousands of followers on TikTok and nearly 200,000 followers across both Instagram and TikTok, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the beauty influencer community. Her engagement with a dedicated audience made her a visible target for potential threats associated with her public persona.

According to reports, the assailant entered the salon on the pretext of delivering a gift shortly before the shooting occurred. In a chilling moment during her livestream, Marquez expressed concern about someone coming to her salon with an 'expensive gift' while she was not there, indicating a sense of unease about the situation.

Just moments before the horrific act, Marquez was recorded saying 'they're coming,' suggesting she might have sensed the impending danger. The livestream abruptly ended after the shooting, with another person present in the salon picking up her phone the moment she was attacked. This unnerving sequence of events has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by public figures in Mexico.

Mexican authorities are presently urgently investigating the circumstances surrounding Marquez's death, classifying the case under protocols for femicide. The nature of the assailant's entry into the salon raises questions about potential premeditation and motive, although these details remain under investigation. Currently, no known motive for Marquez’s murder has been established, leaving investigators searching for answers.

In the wake of her death, social media reactions have poured in, with many of Marquez's followers expressing their shock and condolences. Interestingly, following Marquez's murder, her Instagram following significantly increased, highlighting how tragic events can sometimes draw attention and increase visibility for victims in the digital space.

Valeria Marquez's murder is part of a larger national crisis concerning gender-based violence, which has reached alarming levels in Mexico. Estimates indicate that on average, 10 women or girls are murdered in the country each day, a stark reality that showcases the systemic issues regarding women's safety and rights.

Activists and concerned citizens have called for more robust measures to protect women and combat violence effectively. The Jalisco state prosecutor's office has been urged to take immediate action to investigate Marquez’s case thoroughly and ensure accountability for those responsible. Calls for urgent policy changes, improved law enforcement practices, and community support continue to grow.

Valeria Marquez's story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for societal change, increased protections for women, and greater awareness around the issue of femicide in Mexico. As investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding her death, the hope is that her case may prompt necessary conversations leading to reforms aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.