(NewsNation) — Bloodshed between members or associates of the Sinaloa Cartel may be familiar, but the death of various influencers is a new development.
According to the Latin Times, at least four influencers have been killed amid a war between the "La Mayiza" and "Los Chapitos" factions of the Sinaloa Cartel that has been brewing since U.S. authorities apprehended Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in late July.
Per the report, social media celebrities have become an avenue for criminal syndicates to spread their messaging and gain proponents.
The Times reported brochures were dropped across Culiacán, Sinaloa, on Jan. 9, claiming three influencers that have died were tied to the "Chapitos."
In October, popular TikToker "El Chilango" was killed while recording a video, which shortly preceded the death of "El Gordo Peruci."
According to the report, "El Jasper" was found dead with 70 gunshot wounds in late November. The latest reported death was "El Pinky," whose body was found on Jan. 10.
According to Excelsior, 45 deaths occurred in Sinaloa in the first week of 2025 following clashes between "Chapitos" and "Mayitos."