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Mexican Influencer Gastelum Shot Dead During Live Stream Outside Restaurant

Federal investigators are examining his past social media posts for possible connections to criminal organizations.

Asude Karataş • 5 Ağustos 2026 20:00 • 3 dk okuma • 6 görüntülenme

Mexican content creator Cesar Gastelum, age 25, was fatally shot while broadcasting live on the streaming platform Kick from outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacan, Sinaloa. The killing occurred on a Tuesday evening and was captured in the video transmission, with federal authorities now investigating potential connections to criminal organizations.

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What Happened
Investigation and Official Response

What Happened

Gastelum was conducting a food delivery challenge with two companions in front of a restaurant chain location in Culiacan, positioned just meters away from the state attorney general's office. The group wore orange uniforms associated with a delivery application as part of the content challenge. During the broadcast, which began after 8 p.m. local time, viewers heard the participants express concern after a motorcycle passed nearby. Minutes later, the same motorcycle returned with two occupants. One rider then opened fire directly at Gastelum, who collapsed immediately. The entire sequence was recorded and visible to live viewers.

Investigation and Official Response

The Sinaloa State Prosecutor's Office opened a murder investigation following the incident. Federal security officials confirmed the shooting was a "direct aggression" against the content creator. Among the investigative lines being pursued, authorities identified several of Gastelum's past social media publications in which he allegedly made references to factions within criminal organizations. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance camera footage and physical evidence from the scene to identify those responsible. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that authorities would pursue both the shooters and any intellectual authors behind the attack, while emphasizing the need to determine the motive.

Gastelum had amassed approximately 600,000 followers on TikTok and was recognized for comedy-focused content. The killing occurred on a day when Mexico recorded 28 homicides nationwide, with Sinaloa accounting for five of those cases.

Who was Cesar Gastelum?+

Gastelum was a 25-year-old Mexican influencer and content creator with nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok. He was known for producing comedy videos and was engaged in live streaming challenges on platforms including Kick at the time of his death.

Where and when did the shooting occur?+

Gastelum was killed on a Tuesday evening outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state in northwestern Mexico. The location was positioned near the state attorney general's office. The shooting happened during a live broadcast on the Kick streaming platform.

What are authorities investigating as potential motives?+

Federal investigators are examining several of Gastelum's past social media posts in which he allegedly made references to factions within criminal organizations. This line of inquiry is one of multiple angles being explored to determine why he was targeted.

Was the shooting recorded?+

Yes. The entire incident was captured during Gastelum's live stream on Kick. The video shows the motorcycle approaching, the moment before the shooting, and the immediate aftermath. This footage has become central to the investigation.

What is the current status of the investigation?+

The Sinaloa State Prosecutor's Office and federal security authorities are conducting an active investigation. Authorities are analyzing surveillance video, physical evidence from the scene, and Gastelum's social media history. They are seeking to identify and apprehend both those who carried out the shooting and any individuals responsible for ordering it.

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