On Monday, April 14, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded at the Smart Fit gym located in the Andares shopping center in Zapopan, Jalisco, claiming the lives of two men, one of whom is believed to be Kevin Castro, known as "El KC," the brother of popular YouTuber Marquitos Toys. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to reports from the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office, the victims were found on metal access stairs within the gym. One victim, 43-year-old Kevin Castro, originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, had been living in Zapopan for the past five years. The second victim, identified as Castro's bodyguard, was 66 years old and also resided in the metropolitan area.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and police later discovered several shell casings of undetermined caliber at the scene. In a swift response, the Zapopan police apprehended two suspects, identified as Martín Gerardo N and Kevin Alexis N, who are believed to have participated in the attack. Additionally, authorities seized a black motorcycle without license plates, a black helmet, and a yellow backpack containing a long gun outside the establishment, as well as another short weapon.
While the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office has yet to officially confirm the identities of the deceased, social media speculation has intensified, suggesting that one of the victims is indeed Kevin Castro. This speculation is fueled by Castro's previous notoriety, as he has been linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically a faction known as Los Chapitos, led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
Kevin Castro, who sought to carve out his own identity in the world of social media, had a presence on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as his brother, he maintained a following that appreciated his entertaining content. However, his life was marked by controversy, as he and his family have faced allegations of connections to organized crime.
Since 2022, Kevin Castro's name has surfaced in discussions linking him to the Sinaloa Cartel. At that time, a flyer circulated in Culiacán, identifying him as a member of Los Chapitos and threatening his life. These connections have cast a shadow over both Kevin and Marquitos Toys, who have long been subjects of speculation regarding their ties to drug trafficking.
The recent shooting has sparked a flurry of questions regarding the motives behind the attack. Local authorities have stated that they are actively investigating the case, but as of now, no official statements have been made regarding the identities of the victims beyond the initial reports.
The incident has not only raised concerns about safety in public spaces but has also highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and crime linked to drug cartels in Mexico. The community remains on edge as more details about the shooting emerge.
Despite the gravity of the situation, neither Marquitos Toys nor his family has publicly commented on the alleged death of Kevin Castro. This silence has only fueled further speculation and intrigue surrounding the case. Social media is rife with images and discussions about the incident, with many users expressing their condolences and support for the family.
The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office continues to work diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and to confirm the identities of the victims. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they face the challenge of addressing the public's concerns while navigating the complexities of organized crime.
In the wake of this tragic event, the local community is left grappling with the implications of violence that has become all too familiar in certain areas of Mexico. The loss of life, particularly in such a public setting, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles many face in the fight against crime and violence.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering about the future of public safety in the region and how incidents like this can be prevented. The hope is that justice will be served for the victims and their families, and that the community can find a path toward healing and safety.
