Major Update In Case Of Beauty Influencer Shot While Live Streaming As Hitman Ex Becomes Prime Suspect

The investigation into the shocking murder of 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was gunned down during a livestream from her beauty salon, has taken a major turn after authorities formally rejected early reports linking her death to a notorious cartel leader.

As Bored Panda previously reported, the influencer was broadcasting live to her over 110,000 TikTok followers from her beauty salon in Jalisco, Mexico, when a man disguised as a delivery driver entered the salon and shot her three times.

The gruesome incident deeply moved the nation, which has been experiencing an increase in gender-based violence since 2015. 

Feeling powerless, many of her fans started looking for a culprit to direct their anger towards, eventually concluding that the incident had been the work of Márquez’ supposed ex-boyfriend—a high-ranking cartel hitman.

Disclaimer: This story covers violent gender-based crimes. Reader discretion is advised.

Mexican authorities rejected reports linking murdered influencer Valeria Márquez to a notorious cartel leader

Beauty influencer with long blonde hair and red lipstick sitting poolside at an outdoor cafe during daytime.

Image credits: v___marquez

Both local and international news outlets reported Ricardo Ruíz Velasco, known in underground circles as “El Tripa,” as the prime suspect in the murder. Ruíz Velasco is a member of the notorious New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), a criminal syndicate dedicated to trafficking drugs and weapons.

Beauty influencer live streaming indoors wearing pink top holding a pig plush, related to update in shot case investigation.

Image credits: v___marquez

The narrative at the time claimed that the influencer had been romantically involved with the feared cartel figure, who allegedly flew into a jealous rage over her receiving gifts from fans.

These reports, however, turned out to be unconfirmed and proved detrimental to the official investigation. The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office was forced to issue a firm statement in the following days.

Mugshot of man identified as prime suspect in beauty influencer shooting case during live streaming update.

Image credits: Record

“With regard to press reports that directly mention certain names in connection to the murder, the Office wishes to clarify that there is currently no formal mention of any specific individual in the case file at this time,” the statement read.

Authorities emphasized that while various digital materials—including social media posts and video footage—are being analyzed, no suspects have been named.

The Fiscalía also reiterated that the case is being handled under the Jalisco’s femicide protocol, and asked the public and media to refrain from disseminating unverified claims until official information is provided.

Internet theories allegedly put the life of a journalist at risk after falsely linking him to the crime

Police vehicles and officers at a crime scene investigating beauty influencer shooting with prime suspect identified

Image credits: En Directo Noticias Jalisco

Bored Panda’s previous coverage of the story showed how Márquez had previously warned her followers that her ex-boyfriend had been sending her various threats online, and that she was fearing for both her and her family’s safety prior to the assassination.

Márquez had recently distanced herself from her lover, after sharing concerning images with her audience showing bruises on her legs and text messages where the yet unidentified man expressed jealousy over her going to parties with her friends.

Beauty salon interior with seating and decor, related to case of beauty influencer shot while live streaming update.

Image credits: Radio_Formula

Speculation spiraled soon after, with internet sleuths launching a “digital manhunt” against several individuals, including a local journalist who was falsely accused of being involved in the assassination.

Images of Jesús Hernández began circulating online, wrongfully labeling him as the ex-boyfriend who allegedly ordered the killing. Hernández, who is a well-known sports commentator in the country, suddenly found himself on the receiving end of thousands of death-threats after the incident.

Beauty influencer with long blonde hair taking a selfie indoors amid major update in hitman ex suspect case.

Image credits: v___marquez

“I got about 5,000 messages, threats saying, ‘We’ll find you, and we’ll get you,’” he told local media. “This is not a meme, this is dangerous.”

Making matters worse is the fact that Hernández has the faces of his daughters and his mom tattooed on his body, putting their lives at risk.

“A friend in the US said one of the videos with my face had a million views,” he stated. “Now if I want to go downtown for an ice cream someone might come to me and shout, ‘Hey you, femicide!’”

The influencer’s closest friend was also accused of being involved in the attack

Close-up image of a man with eyes closed, related to major update in beauty influencer shooting case and hitman suspect.

Image credits: AlertaGDL

One of the influencer’s closest friends, Vivian de la Torre, was also on the receiving end of multiple threats, after people started accusing her of “setting her friend up,” and collaborating with the alleged criminals.

Due to Vivian having a history of sending her friend surprise gifts, fans began speculating that she had arranged the delivery that day, potentially luring Márquez into a trap. These claims quickly went viral on TikTok and Instagram, with conspiracy theories alleging jealousy and betrayal.

Vivian quickly responded to the accusations, trying to shut down the rumors.

“Those who knew our relationship know that I always sent her gifts—whether she was on live or not—But I would never hurt her,” she explained.

“People who know me know how much I loved her. Please don’t say things that aren’t true.”

Masked hitman in tactical gear holding a rifle outdoors amid fallen trees, linked to beauty influencer shooting update.

Image credits: Record

At present, authorities have not confirmed any connection between Vivian and the crime, nor have they named her as a suspect or person of interest.

While authorities have not explicitly denied the connection between the influencer and the cartel member, they nevertheless urged both the public and media to wait for official information before jumping to conclusions.

Information in Spanish was translated to English with the help of a native speaker.

“Cartels need to be wiped off.” Netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on the incident

Tweet from BackwoodsBird expressing sadness about beauty influencer shot while live streaming, with hitman ex as suspect.

Image credits: TWeeTXter

Tweet from J Marie expressing heartbreak over the beauty influencer shot while live streaming incident update.

Image credits: JMarieThesisPod

Tweet from user WyldKR expressing shock over beauty influencer shot while live streaming, with hitman ex as suspect.

Image credits: WyldKR

Tweet from Lynettelelea questioning jealousy in the major update on beauty influencer shot while live streaming case.

Image credits: 777Ellis

Tweet showing a user reacting to the beauty influencer shot while live streaming, discussing hitman ex as prime suspect.

Image credits: Hill1090782Hill

User reacting with concern emoji to a tweet about beauty influencer shot while live streaming update.

Image credits: among_us2024

Twitter comment by cindy wright discussing beauty influencer shot while live streaming and hitman ex as prime suspect.

Image credits: cindybrad99

Tweet expressing anger about cartels related to the major update in beauty influencer case involving hitman suspect.

Image credits: TheRunningJoke1

Tweet by Miles replying to a comment, referencing a beauty influencer shot while live streaming with hitman ex as prime suspect.

Image credits: mileslangston_

Tweet by user Moon questioning why gorgeous women choose a certain type of man, related to beauty influencer shot while live streaming case.

Image credits: MoonCallCorp

Tweet warning about dating cartel hitmen, related to major update in beauty influencer live streaming shooting case.

Image credits: Glendaragnarson

Screenshot of a tweet questioning a beauty influencer's safety after she was shot while live streaming, with hitman ex as suspect.

Image credits: emica_forever

Tweet reply on social media discussing the case of beauty influencer shot while live streaming with hitman ex as suspect.

Image credits: dmajors1031

Post Comment