Mexican authorities are currently searching for a Phoenix-based social media influencer who went missing two days ago in Sinaloa, Mexico. Nicole Pardo Molina, known online as La Nicholette, was last seen in a residential neighborhood in Culiacán, as reported by the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office through its alert system, Protocolo Alba. The alert highlights concerns for her safety and indicates that she may be a victim of a crime.
Social media footage appears to show the 20-year-old being abducted from her distinctive purple Tesla Cybertruck by masked men, who forced her into a white vehicle. Culiacán is notorious as the base of the Sinaloa drug cartel, making it one of the most perilous cities in Mexico.
Originally from Phoenix, Pardo Molina has split her time between Sinaloa and the Valley. She previously ran a boutique near Indian School Road and 59th Avenue but closed it after experiencing vandalism. A local worker described the unsettling situation, stating, “After the windows were broken, she closed her business,” emphasizing the anxiety surrounding safety in the area.
The influencer boasts a significant social media following, sharing aspects of her lifestyle. In 2023, a Mexican band, Grupo Arriesgado, released a song titled “La Muchacha del Salado,” which translates to “The Lady from El Salado,” referencing Pardo Molina. This corrido captures themes related to historical events and social commentary, particularly within the context of drug cartels. A local worker speculated on her ties to such activities, expressing concern for her safety and lamenting the impact on younger generations: “It’s something really bad because I have daughters… she was very young for this to have happened to her.”
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been contacted regarding their communication with Mexican authorities concerning the investigation. As of now, they are yet to receive updates from their counterparts in Mexico but have expressed a readiness to assist in any manner needed.
This situation sheds light on the risks faced by individuals navigating the intersections of social media fame and real-world dangers, especially in regions known for criminal activity. The hope remains that Pardo Molina will be located safely and that this incident raises awareness about the need for enhanced safety measures for influencers and others in vulnerable positions.