Cartel leader arrested for murder of influencer Valeria Marquez

Mexican authorities have arrested a high-ranking member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in connection with the murder of 23-year-old influencer Valeria Marquez. The killing, which took place in May 2025 at the victim's beauty salon in the state of Jalisco, was captured during a live broadcast on social media. In the footage, an armed assailant enters the establishment, confirms the victim's identity, and executes her with shots to the chest and head.

The investigation revealed that the suspect ordered the assassination at the request of his son, with whom the victim had recently ended a romantic relationship. The victim had posted a photo from her salon just hours before the attack, providing the perpetrator with her location. Local authorities are currently handling the case, which has drawn widespread national outrage due to the public nature of the execution and its direct link to organized crime.

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder. Officials continue to process the evidence surrounding the involvement of the cartel leadership and the specific circumstances leading up to the act of retaliation.