Mexican social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot to death by suspects on a motorcycle during a livestream; attack occurred in Culiacan

Cesar Gastelum, a Mexican social media influencer known for his comedy videos, was shot and killed on Tuesday while livestreaming outside a KFC in Culiacan, Sinaloa.¹²⁷

The attack occurred around 8 p.m. local time when two individuals on a motorcycle approached Gastelum and his friends.³⁴

In a shocking moment captured on the livestream, the motorcycle driver fired a single shot, striking Gastelum in the head.

He died at the scene, with his body left near the restaurant's drive-thru as authorities secured the area.

Gastelum had amassed nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok, where he shared a variety of content, including comedy sketches and music covers.⁸

This incident echoes the tragic killing of beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, who was shot during a livestream in May 2025, underscoring the dangers faced by social media personalities in Mexico.

Culiacan has been a hotspot for violence, primarily due to ongoing conflicts between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, which have escalated in recent years.

A security official confirmed Gastelum's death and noted that a significant security operation was underway in response to the shooting.

The violence in Culiacan has intensified since the abduction of cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, leading to a power struggle with rival factions.

The U.S. has designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, highlighting the international implications of the ongoing violence.