- César Gastélum, a popular Mexican influencer with nearly 600,000 TikTok followers, was filming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán.
- A motorcycle with two men pulled up; the driver shot Gastélum at point-blank range.
- The attack occurred blocks from the local prosecutor's office during rush hour.
- A security official confirmed the death and said a major security operation was under way.
- The security cabinet and President Claudia Sheinbaum announced an ongoing investigation, including analysis of Gastélum's posts and video surveillance.
- At least 12 influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since September 2024, including Valeria Márquez in May 2025.
A gunman killed social-media influencer César Gastélum during a live stream outside a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Culiacán, Sinaloa, prompting a major security operation and ongoing investigations into the killing and his posts.12567
“The actual perpetrators, and if applicable the mastermind, must be arrested, and the reason behind this tragic homicide must be uncovered.”
“We must find out why this deplorable homicide occurred.”
Culiacán has been ravaged by clashes between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, as authorities broaden a probe into the incident; At least 12 social media influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since two factions of the Sinaloa cartel began their battle in September 2024.
Gastélum had more than 650,000 followers on TikTok and more on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Video of the moment shows him with two men outside a KFC when two motorcyclists pulled up; one fires at point-blank range and they flee.3
The attack occurred blocks from the local prosecutor office during rush hour, and the investigation is ongoing with authorities reviewing posts that referenced a criminal group.4
Gastélum’s death is part of a broader pattern of criminals targeting influencers, especially in Sinaloa and Jalisco, highlighting risks for online personalities in cartel-dominated regions.
“Gastélum had over 650,000 TikTok followers and was known for comedy videos, sometimes referring to himself as 'bélico.' At least 12 influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since September 2024, including Valeria Márquez, who was killed during a TikTok livestream in May 2025.”
The Guardian
