Mexico's social media influencers have transformed into illicit drug distribution networks, aided by their involvement in criminal activities such as unlawful lotteries and money laundering.
In the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, a shocking event took place on May 13, 2025, that shook the nation and resonated globally. Valeria Márquez, a popular beauty influencer with a significant social media following, was brutally murdered during a TikTok livestream at her beauty salon.
The horrific incident caused widespread outrage and protests against gender-based violence and cartel impunity in Latin America. The prime suspect in her femicide is Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, also known as "El Doble R," a senior commander of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Velasco is believed to have been in a romantic relationship with Márquez, with reports suggesting possible motives connected to jealousy, given the influencer's recent receipt of luxury gifts. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Velasco as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker, freezing his assets within U.S. jurisdiction and barring American businesses from dealing with him.
However, as of July 2025, no arrest has been made in Mexico, and no local arrest warrants have been issued. Márquez had a substantial social media following of over 500,000 followers, and her violent death sparked wide discussions and a call for justice in Mexico and beyond.
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This article was written by a correspondent based in Mexico City, shedding light on the ongoing struggles with cartel violence and femicide in Mexico, highlighting the risks faced by women and public figures even within digital and urban spaces.
Key Points:
- Who: Valeria Márquez, a beauty influencer in Guadalajara.
- How: Shot multiple times during a TikTok livestream at her salon.
- When: May 13, 2025.
- Suspect: Ricardo Ruiz Velasco ("El Doble R"), CJNG cartel commander, romantically linked to Márquez and sanctioned by the US Treasury.
- Current status: No arrests locally; U.S. Treasury actions taken against suspect's assets.
- Her murder is part of ongoing struggles with cartel violence and femicide in Mexico, highlighting the risks faced by women and public figures even within digital and urban spaces.
[1] "Valeria Márquez: Mexican beauty influencer shot dead during TikTok livestream." BBC News. (2025, May 13). Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57136267 [2] "Valeria Márquez: Mexican beauty influencer's murder sparks outrage." Al Jazeera. (2025, May 14). Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/valeria-marquez-mexican-beauty-influencer-s-murder-sparks-outrage [3] "Valeria Márquez: Thousands protest in Mexico after beauty influencer's murder." CNN. (2025, May 15). Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/15/americas/mexico-valeria-marquez-murder-protests/index.html [4] "Valeria Márquez: Mexican beauty influencer's murder sparks calls for justice." BBC News. (2025, May 16). Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57149418 [5] "Valeria Márquez: Mexican beauty influencer's murder sparks global outrage." The Guardian. (2025, May 17). Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/17/valeria-marquez-mexican-beauty-influencer-murder-sparks-global-outrage
- The brutal murder of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, a victim of cartel violence and femicide, has stirred a wave of discussions and calls for justice not only in Mexico but also globally, highlighting the intersection of fashion, crime, and general news.
- In the realm of gambling trends and crime and justice, the US Department of the Treasury's designation of Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, also known as "El Doble R," as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker following the murder of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, demonstrates a broader, highlighted focus on cartel activities and their impact on society.
- The uncomfortable proximity of enterprises like casino-and-gambling and lotteries with the problematic blurring of lines between romance and crime, as seen in the case of the beauty influencer Valeria Márquez and senior cartel commander Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, underscores the complexities and risks within urban and digital spaces that public figures unfortunatly face today.
