On Monday, April 14, 2025, a tragic shooting at the Andares shopping center in Zapopan, Jalisco, left two men dead, igniting a wave of speculation and concern in the community. The incident, which occurred inside the Smart Fit gym located in the upscale plaza, has drawn attention due to the potential connection of one of the victims to the social media influencer Markitos Toys.
Initial reports indicated that one of the deceased might be Kevin Castro, the brother of Markitos Toys, who has previously been linked to organized crime. However, as the investigation unfolded, authorities have yet to officially confirm the identities of the victims. Another name that surfaced in the aftermath is Rodolfo “El Rodo” Carrizosa, a man reportedly associated with a criminal group and who bears a striking resemblance to Kevin Castro.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that several armed individuals entered the shopping center and deliberately targeted the gym, using both short and long firearms to attack the two men. This brazen act of violence prompted an immediate response from local police and the National Guard, who secured the area and initiated a search for the assailants.
Videos and images depicting the chaos of the shooting quickly circulated on social media, showing the panic among gym-goers and the grim aftermath as the bodies lay on the emergency stairs of the building. The public's reaction has been one of shock and fear, particularly given the upscale nature of the Andares shopping center, which is known for its high-security measures.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office has not yet released official statements regarding the identities of the victims, but unofficial sources have speculated that one of the deceased could be Kevin Castro, while others suggest it might be Carrizosa. The confusion surrounding the victims' identities has only fueled the speculation on social media.
This incident marks a grim continuation of violence affecting the family of Markitos Toys. Just last month, another of his brothers, Gail Castro, was murdered in Sinaloa, raising alarms about the safety of influencers in Mexico. Following Gail's death, anonymous flyers surfaced in Culiacán, threatening various influencers, including Markitos Toys and his siblings, accusing them of ties to the criminal organization known as "Los Sapitos" and alleging involvement in illicit activities.
In light of these events, the community has expressed outrage and concern. The authorities have not confirmed the motives behind the shooting, but the ongoing violence has left many feeling vulnerable. The Zapopan Police Department reported that two suspects have been detained in connection with the shooting, although details regarding their identities and potential motives remain scarce.
Historically, the Andares shopping center has been a site of previous violence. In October 2022, a shooting in the nearby Plaza Landmark resulted in one death and multiple injuries, with reports suggesting that the attackers were targeting a well-known singer. Such incidents have raised questions about security measures in one of Guadalajara's most affluent areas.
As the investigation continues, residents and social media users alike are calling for more transparency from law enforcement regarding the safety of public spaces and the ongoing threats to influencers. The fear that has gripped the community is palpable, as more details about the shooting and its victims are awaited.
While the immediate aftermath of the shooting has left many questions unanswered, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive violence affecting various sectors of society in Mexico, particularly those involved in the entertainment and social media landscapes. The connections between influencers and organized crime continue to be a troubling narrative, as more individuals find themselves embroiled in dangerous situations.
As of now, the identities of the victims remain unconfirmed, and the community watches closely for updates from the authorities. The hope is that justice will be served, and that measures will be taken to ensure the safety of all individuals, regardless of their public status. The events of April 14, 2025, will likely resonate for some time, as the community grapples with the implications of this tragic shooting.
In the coming days, further developments are expected as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the attack. Community leaders and residents are urging a thorough investigation to prevent future violence and to restore a sense of security in the area.
