Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Influencer Cesar Gastélum Shot Dead While Livestreaming in Culiacán

A Reuters-reviewed recording shows a motorbike passenger firing at him and the footage has triggered a large security and forensic operation with no suspects or motive publicly identified.

Overview

  • Gastélum was killed during a livestream outside a KFC in Culiacán when two helmeted people on a motorcycle approached and one appeared to fire directly at him, according to video reviewed by Reuters.
  • Local officials confirmed his death and deployed police, soldiers and forensic teams to secure the scene, collect ballistic evidence and review CCTV after platforms removed the livestreamed footage.
  • Gastélum, who had about 600,000 followers on TikTok and was known for comedy and lifestyle videos, was streaming with friends while wearing delivery-style outfits when the attack occurred.
  • Investigators have not announced a motive or identified suspects and say forensic work and video analysis are ongoing as authorities probe the shooting.
  • The killing, which took place on Tuesday, echoes earlier livestreamed attacks on creators in the region and comes against a backdrop of factional cartel violence in Sinaloa, where authorities recently arrested a figure linked to a previous influencer murder.