The weekend in Culiacán, Mexico, was marked by tragedy as the city mourned the untimely death of Agustín Paul, a 22-year-old YouTuber and social media influencer known to his followers as El Pinky. His lifeless body was discovered in the Costerita area under grim circumstances that have shocked both fans and residents alike.
The Grim Discovery
Authorities found El Pinky’s body early Friday morning, bound hand and foot, with gunshot wounds and clear signs of violence. His torso was exposed, and his remains were left in the middle of the street—a chilling display of brutality. Feliciano Castro Meléndrez, a spokesperson for the Sinaloa state government, expressed sorrow over the loss: “Of course, we regret any human life that is wrongly harmed by violence. Every life involves an affront to humanity, regardless of the circumstances of the person concerned.”
The Costerita area, notorious for its history of drug-related violence, has once again become a scene of horror. Although investigators suspect El Pinky’s murder might be tied to a settling of scores, the case remains under active investigation.
Who Was El Pinky?
El Pinky rose to fame as a YouTuber with his channel “Los Plebes de Barrancos,” where he shared comedic content and jokes alongside friends. His charismatic personality and humor attracted nearly 98,000 subscribers, and his most popular video garnered an impressive 376,000 views.
Beyond YouTube, El Pinky maintained a presence on Instagram, where he shared glimpses of his personal life with his 38.7 thousand followers. In his final Instagram post on January 2, 2025, he reflected on the highs and lows of the past year:
“We closed 2024 in a good way. This year there were setbacks, but I also achieved many things, and there is still so much more to accomplish in work and unity. I distanced myself from bad influences and met incredible people who share the same desire to grow. The important thing is that I didn’t give up, and I never will. Here’s to 2025.”
Connections to a Violent Past
El Pinky’s tragic death is not an isolated incident. Approximately one month prior, “Gordo Peruci,” a frequent guest on El Pinky’s channel, was also shot dead in the same area of Culiacán. This alarming pattern has raised concerns about the safety of public figures in the region and the pervasive influence of organized crime.
Adding to the chilling narrative, a video circulating on social media shows El Pinky in a dire state before his death. In the footage, he is tied up and bloodied, answering questions from an unseen interrogator. When asked why he was there, he reportedly said, “To pass information to MF.” When pressed further, he revealed, “The location where the Chapos were.” These statements suggest a possible motive rooted in the dangerous web of information and allegiances within the region’s criminal underworld.
A Stark Reminder of Violence in Culiacán
El Pinky’s death has cast a somber shadow over Culiacán, a city already grappling with the repercussions of drug-related violence. His passing is a grim reminder of the human cost of these conflicts and the precarious environment faced by residents and public figures alike.
As fans mourn the loss of a young talent and investigators work to uncover the truth, El Pinky’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to address the broader issues of violence and insecurity in the region. For his followers, he will be remembered not only for his humor and charisma but also for the tragic circumstances that ended his life far too soon.