Video shows YouTuber El Pinky’s brutal torture before execution by Mexican cartel

A disturbing video surfaces showing El Pinky being tortured before his murder by a cartel in Culiacán, Mexico.

A disturbing video has emerged showing the brutal torture and execution of the YouTuber Agustín Paul, better known as "El Pinky", who was allegedly murdered by a hitman linked to the Sinaloa Cartel's "Los Chapitos" faction. 

The video, which surfaced shortly after his death, shows El Pinky being interrogated by alleged members of the cartel. In the footage, El Pinky can be seen with bruises and signs of physical abuse, accused of working with a rival faction known as "La Mayiza". His lifeless body was later discovered on the morning of January 10 in Culiacán, Sinaloa, showing signs of torture and gunshot wounds.

ASESINAN A YOUTUBER "EL PINKY" Supuestos sicarios de "Los Chapitos" asesinaron al joven Justin Paul, un creador de contenido cómico de Culiacán. fue encontrado durante la madrugada con signos de totura. Van al menos cinco influencers asesinados desde el 9 de septiembre pic.twitter.com/MNCDhPswgR

— Zé Pequeño. (@ZePequeo57721) January 10, 2025

The 22-year-old influencer, who gained popularity through his YouTube channel "Los Plebes de Barrancos", was found near the Benito Juárez State Bypass, bound at the hands and feet, with a gunshot wound to the head, which indicated a premeditated killing. Agustín had amassed over 97,000 followers on his YouTube channel, where he often posted viral challenges and comedic videos, as well as over 30,000 followers on his personal Instagram account. His social media presence had earned him considerable attention, but it seems to have also attracted unwanted attention from criminal groups.

Se pone de moda en México torturar y asesinar youtubers. Dejan el cuerpo maniatado con múltiples heridas del youtuber "#Pinky" en el Libramiento Benito Juárez, de #Culiacán. pic.twitter.com/LpUAhfmYYL

— 🩸Anxious Vids🔥 (@videosfunny132) January 11, 2025

The murder of El Pinky comes amid escalating violence between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly "Los Chapitos" and "La Mayiza", which has now extended to targeting social media influencers and content creators. This trend began after a series of flyers were dropped from a plane in Culiacán on January 9, accusing several influencers, including El Pinky, of laundering money for the cartels and promoting drug trafficking in their videos. Among the names listed in the flyer were popular artists like Peso Pluma and influencers such as Markitos Toys, both of whom were linked to the cartel's criminal operations.

ASESINAN A YOUTUBER "EL PINKY" un sicario de "Los Chapitos" de nombre Jesús Hernandez alias “El Jabato” asesinó al joven Justin Paul, un creador de contenido cómico de Culiacán. fue encontrado durante la madrugada con signos de totura.

Información en proceso. pic.twitter.com/QOqK2JJgmM

— PABLITO, EL RAYADO (@Phabloenrique) January 10, 2025

El Pinky’s murder has sparked outrage, with many online expressing their horror at the violent end of a young man who had a promising future in social media. His last post on Instagram, just before the end of 2024, displayed a hopeful message about overcoming personal setbacks and expressing gratitude for the people in his life. In the post, he spoke about his plans for the coming year, despite the difficulties he faced. The juxtaposition of his optimistic tone in the post and the tragic reality of his death has left fans and followers shocked.

The violence in Sinaloa has increasingly targeted those in the entertainment and influencer community, as the cartel factions fight for control over the region. El Pinky’s tragic end follows the murder of another influencer, "El Gordo" Peruci, who was killed in December 2024, and has reignited concerns over the risks faced by social media personalities in the region.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the murder, though the exact motive behind El Pinky’s killing remains unclear. While his death has been linked to cartel violence, the investigation is ongoing, and the Sinaloa Attorney General's office is working to determine whether El Pinky’s killing was directly related to his online content or his association with other influencers connected to the cartels.