A popular Mexican influencer has been shot dead while doing a live stream on social media outside a restaurant in Sinaloa state, where lethal cartel violence has become widespread. A security official in Sinaloa confirmed Gastélum’s death to Reuters and said a major security operation was under way. The killing is the latest example of bloodshed in Culiacán, which has become an epicentre of violence as factions of the Sinaloa cartel battle for control of the city. At least 12 social media influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since two factions of the Sinaloa cartel began their battle in September 2024, according to local media. Valeria Márquez, 23, was shot and killed at a beauty salon last year while live-streaming on TikTok, where she had thousands of followers.