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What was Cesar Gastelum's last post? Mexican influencer shot dead during livestream in Culiacan
Cesar Gastelum was shot dead while livestreaming in Culiacán, amidst ongoing cartel-related violence.
A standard livestream turned into a tragedy for Mexican social media creator Cesar Gastelum. The TikTok influencer, recognized for his comedic content, was shot and killed on Tuesday while live-streaming with friends at a fast-food establishment in Culiacán, Sinaloam, according to Reuters.
Local officials have verified his death and initiated a significant security operation. This incident occurs amidst ongoing violence in Culiacán, linked to competing organized crime factions vying for dominance in the area.
Cesar Gastelum dead: What happened during livestream?
Gastelum was conducting a livestream outside a fast food establishment when two persons donned in helmets approached on a motorcycle, as per the report. The footage captured the motorcycle operator seemingly shooting Gastelum before the assailants made their escape.
According to The Independent, the livestream depicted Gastelum engaging with friends just moments prior to the fatal assault. The publication noted that the shooter appeared to aim directly at his head.
Law enforcement and forensic specialists have secured the location and are analyzing the cartridge casings along with CCTV footage in search of evidence.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the two people on the motorcycle have escaped the scene.
It remains uncertain whether Gastélum had been subjected to any threats.
On his Instagram profile, he frequently posted images showcasing his travels, social outings, and moments in front of high-end vehicles.
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Cesar Gastelum's social media influence and his last post
Cesar Gastelum amassed nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok, over 100,000 on Instagram, and thousands more on YouTube and Kick. His content has received more than 22 million likes on TikTok alone, with recurring comedic personas such as 'Profe Alducin' and 'El Padre' attracting a dedicated audience.
Just two days before his tragic killing, Gastelum posted what would ultimately be his last Instagram update to his more than 108,000 followers.
The video featured the influencer in a black shirt and hat, embracing and dancing with fellow Sinaloan content creator La Beba, who was dressed in a red gown and holding a bouquet. He captioned the video, "The real strawberry date," accompanied by the song La Cita Fresita 2 by Luis R. Conriquez.
At this time, Gastelum's profile on the streaming platform Kick, where he operated under the username @Compasexor, is no longer available following the deadly shooting.
Here's the post:
Conflict in Sinaloa Cartel
The recent violence is linked to a larger conflict involving the Sinaloa Cartel, as per the reports. The incident occurred amid ongoing violence in Culiacán, the capital city of Sinaloa.
Competing organized crime groups were battling for dominance in the region, which has led to persistent instability in the city. The conflict escalated following the abduction of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada by a son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who subsequently transferred him to U.S. authorities.
The ensuing clashes among rival factions initially impacted the residents of Culiacán before extending throughout the state. Additionally, reports stated that US President Donald Trump later classified the Sinaloa Cartel, along with several other organizations, as a foreign terrorist entity.
Rising cases of murder in Mexico
Gastelum's demise was not the inaugural instance of an influencer being murdered during a livestream in Mexico. The outlets noted that Gastelum's passing echoed the May 2025 assassination of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez. She was tragically shot while conducting a TikTok livestream at a salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. Prosecutors examined her death in accordance with Mexico's femicide protocols.
In July, Mexican authorities apprehended Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, also known as "El R-1." Security Minister Omar García Harfuch identified him as the head of a criminal organization associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Authorities have linked Álvarez Ayala to Márquez's murder and have accused him of orchestrating and financing the November 2025 assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo.
