Murder of Latina Influencer Ariella "La Langosta" Is Being Investigated as a Targeted Assassination in NYC

Authorities in New York allege that the murder of Dominican influencer Ariela Mejía-Polanco, known online as Ariella "La Langosta," was a targeted killing, not a random act of violence. Mejía-Polanco was a vibrant presence in New York City's nightlife scene, garnering over half a million followers on Instagram.

On August 17, at approximately 8 a.m., the 33-year-old nightlife personality and social media figure was found dead in her car on the eastbound shoulder of the Cross County Parkway near the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon, Westchester County. She had sustained fatal gunshot wounds, authorities confirmed. A preliminary investigation has deemed her death "not a random act," with investigators treating it as deliberate and targeted.

Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York that "We do believe that she was targeted at this time." The Westchester County Police Department, with assistance from the New York Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, is leading the ongoing homicide investigation, withholding some details to protect the integrity of the case.

Family members told ABC New York that Ariela had been working a shift at Ikon New York, a Manhattan restaurant and lounge, on Saturday night. She reportedly left the venue around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, just hours before her body was discovered. Investigators are mapping her movements between leaving work and the moment she was found, hoping to establish a timeline that could reveal who was following her or lying in wait. They currently believe that she was shot while driving.

Detectives are also examining her recent communications and social media interactions, looking for evidence of threats or disputes that might explain a motive. So far, authorities have not released any information linking her killing to organized crime or personal disputes, but they have stressed the deliberate nature of the attack.

Known affectionately as "La Langosta," Mejía-Polanco built a significant following on Instagram, where she had more than 550,000 followers. The venues where she worked paid emotional tribute following her death. Ikon New York called her "a shining star," and "your joy, your humility, and the way you treated everyone with so much care always made you stand out," while Starlets remembered her as "a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile lit up every room."

Among the most high-profile tributes came from rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, with whom Ariela was close. The artist, who featured her in his 2023 music video for his song, "Wapae," wrote on social media: "NY won't ever be the same. I loved you. You were my sister, my queen of New York." Cardi B also acknowledged the loss, posting "RIP Dominican pretty" to her followers.