A Mexican cartel leader was reportedly arrested after allegedly ordering the killing of a 23-year-old influencer who was shot to death while livestreaming from a Mexican beauty salon in May.
Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala was arrested in late July by military personnel and law enforcement officers during a joint operation, according to multiple reports, including TMZ. Alvarez Ayala, known as “El R-1,” is accused of ordering the killing of Valeria Marquez, who was fatally shot inside a beauty salon in Zapopan, a city in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
TMZ, citing Mexican officials, reported that Alvarez Ayala was the leader of “Los Rs,” a violent criminal organization linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The outlet reported that Mexican authorities
believe Alvarez Ayala planned and financed Marquez’s killing.
Marquez’s former boyfriend is reportedly Alvarez Ayala’s son.
The Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office also announced the Aug. 1 arrest of Ivan Martin “N,” who authorities identified as an alleged co-conspirator in Marquez’s killing.
According to prosecutors, investigators determined that a motorcycle and a white vehicle were used during the attack. Authorities said evidence, including cellphones, was recovered during the execution of a search warrant at a building connected to the investigation.
Prosecutors said Ivan Martin “N” is being investigated for his alleged involvement before, during and after the attack.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to identify and arrest others who may have been involved in Marquez’s killing.
What happened to Valeria Marquez?
Marquez was inside a beauty salon in Zapopan when a man entered the business and shot her, prosecutors said in an initial statement.
Marquez also worked at the salon where she was killed, Reuters previously reported.
Earlier in the livestream, Marquez reportedly said someone had come to the salon while she was away and left an expensive gift for her. She appeared concerned and said she was not expecting the person to return.
Shortly before the shooting, Marquez was seen holding a stuffed toy before saying, “They’re coming.”
A voice could then be heard saying, “Hey, Vale,” and Marquez responded, “Yes,” apparently confirming her identity. She then muted the livestream.
Moments later, she was shot.
Reuters reported that someone later picked up Marquez’s phone and briefly appeared on camera before the livestream ended. Municipal police officers and paramedics responded to the salon and confirmed that Marquez had died, prosecutors said.
Following the killing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the country’s security cabinet would work with prosecutors to determine who was responsible and establish a motive.
“Obviously we express solidarity with the family during this unfortunate situation,” Sheinbaum said.
Marquez had built a social media following by sharing photos and videos of herself modeling, traveling and documenting her life.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Mexican cartel leader accused of ordering Valeria Marquez killing
