Influencer Shot Dead During Livestream in Culiacan
Cesar Gastelum, known for comedy videos, was killed by assailants on a motorcycle in Sinaloa, a state plagued by cartel violence.
Sarah Connor
Social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed on Tuesday outside a fast food restaurant in Culiacan, Mexico, while livestreaming.
A security official in Sinaloa state confirmed Gastélum's death; a significant security operation was underway. Authorities cordoned off the area near the state attorney general's office following the shooting.
The State Attorney General’s Office ordered the body transferred to the Forensic Medical Service. Sinaloa state prosecutors have opened a murder investigation.
No arrests have been made; the perpetrators fled the scene.
Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated authorities are investigating the killing and working to identify the killer. Mexico's security cabinet is investigating Gastélum's social media posts, some of which referred to a criminal group faction.
Gastélum, known for his comedy videos, amassed over 600,000 followers on TikTok and 130,000 on Instagram, generating tens of millions of views. He referred to himself as “padre” and wore a large, golden crucifix and fabric resembling a Christian stole in some posts, also identifying as @Compasexor on the livestreaming platform Kick.
Gastélum and his friends wore bright orange outfits typically used by delivery drivers. Police initially believed the victim was a delivery driver due to his attire.
Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, endures significant violence, fueled by rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. At least nine content creators have been killed in Sinaloa since 2024.
The killing of Leobardo Aispuro is potentially linked to rivalry between two warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel. This incident recalls the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez in May 2025, also during a TikTok livestream in Zapopan, Jalisco.
The killing of Leobardo Aispuro is potentially linked to rivalry between two warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel. This incident recalls the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez in May 2025, also during a TikTok livestream in Zapopan, Jalisco.
Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, known as "El R-1" and identified as a leader of a criminal cell linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was arrested in July. He was linked to Marquez's killing.