On Monday, April 14, 2025, a tragic shooting at the Andares shopping center in Zapopan, Jalisco, left at least two men dead, sending shockwaves through the community and raising questions about the ongoing violence linked to organized crime in the region. The incident unfolded inside the Smart Fit gym located within the plaza, where armed assailants reportedly targeted two individuals, using both short and long firearms.
Initial reports suggest that one of the deceased may be Kevin Castro, known on social media as "El KC" and the brother of popular influencer Markitos Toys. However, as of the latest updates, authorities have not officially confirmed this identity. Another potential victim is Rodo Carrizosa, who is alleged to be affiliated with a criminal group. Speculation has intensified on social media, with users circulating images of one of the bodies, noting a physical resemblance between the deceased and both Castro and Carrizosa.
The shooting is part of a disturbing trend of violence that has recently plagued the family of Markitos Toys, a YouTuber who has faced scrutiny and allegations of connections to narcotrafficking. In March 2025, another of his brothers, Gail Castro, was murdered in Sinaloa, further deepening the family's ties to a dangerous underworld.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as several armed individuals stormed the gym, firing indiscriminately and causing panic among gym-goers. Police and members of the National Guard quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and begin the search for the perpetrators. Videos and images from the incident rapidly spread online, depicting the aftermath of the shooting and the distress it caused among shoppers.
In the wake of this latest attack, the absence of official statements from Markitos Toys and his family has raised eyebrows. They have remained silent as the community grapples with the implications of the violence surrounding them. Rumors have circulated about threats made against the family, particularly after anonymous flyers were distributed in Culiacán, which accused various social media figures, including Markitos Toys' brothers, of being involved with the criminal group known as "Los Sapitos." These flyers have fueled concerns about the safety of influencers and their families in regions affected by cartel violence.
The link between Markitos Toys and organized crime has been a topic of discussion since 2022, when he and his siblings were implicated in connections to the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically the faction led by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's sons, known as Los Chapitos. This association has cast a long shadow over their public personas and has raised questions about the safety of their family members.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are under pressure to provide clarity on the identities of the victims and the motives behind the attack. The community is left to wonder whether this incident marks a turning point in the ongoing battle against organized crime in Jalisco or if it is merely the latest chapter in a long-standing saga of violence.
With the situation still developing, many await further details from law enforcement regarding the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The emotional toll on the families involved, particularly that of Markitos Toys, is palpable as they navigate this harrowing chapter in their lives.
In a broader context, the shooting at the Andares shopping center highlights the persistent challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating the influence of drug cartels and organized crime. The violence that has erupted in various forms across the country has left many communities in fear, prompting calls for increased security measures and more robust law enforcement responses.
As the country watches the aftermath of this tragic event unfold, the hope is that justice will be served, and that the cycle of violence can be broken. For now, the families of the victims, especially the Castro family, find themselves at the center of a storm that continues to rage in the shadows of society.
