Popular Social Media Influencer Ariela La Langosta Gunned Down In 'Targeted' Murder

Tragedy has struck New York's nightlife community after influencer and fashion content creator Ariela La Langosta was gunned down in what police are calling a "targeted" attack. The 33-year-old, whose real name was Ariela Mejia-Polanco, was found dead in the driver's seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County around 8 a.m. on August 17. Authorities confirmed Ariela La Langosta had been shot multiple times while behind the wheel.

Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York that investigators believe the killing was deliberate. "Investigation to date, we do believe she was targeted at this time," Luciano said, stressing the violence was not random.

Detectives believe Mejia-Polanco was shot while driving and only pulled over after being struck. Authorities are now retracing her final steps before the shooting, working closely with the NYPD and FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, a close friend of Ariela's, took to Instagram to share emotional tributes, posting personal videos and calling her a "tremendous woman" he considered "like a sister."

"NY won't ever be the same," he wrote. "I loved you."

The influencer, who amassed more than 550,000 Instagram followers, had appeared as a dancer in 6ix9ine's 2023 music video for "Wapae."

The news of Ariela's murder has devastated New York's nightlife community. Her workplace, Ikon restaurant and lounge, remembered her as a "shining star" and announced it would temporarily close in her honor.

"Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours," the venue wrote. "To Ariela's family, we are here for anything you need. We still can't believe it… you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever."

Queens-based lounge Starlets of NY also issued a statement, describing Ariela as "a one-of-a-kind soul, a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered."

"She will be deeply missed by all of us," the post continued. "Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us."

Known for her style, vibrant personality, and generous spirit, Ariela La Langosta was a rising figure in both fashion and nightlife. Her sudden death has left friends, colleagues, and fans reeling.

In the wake of Ariela's tragic death, fans have flocked to her latest Instagram post, leaving thousands of comments ranging from grief to speculation. While many expressed heartbreak, "RIP amiga" and "She literally posted a story 23 hours ago, tomorrow really is not promised," others began questioning the circumstances surrounding her murder.

One user bluntly asked, "Did they kill her because she was 69's girl??" while another suggested she was targeted due to her lifestyle, writing, "Hanging around the wrong men will get you ladies killed…choose wisely who you call friend or boyfriend, cause their consequences can always reach you too."

Some speculated jealousy and betrayal may have played a role. "She was flashing her money and cars, and her luxuries. Someone in that circle probably grew jealous of her and targeted her," one comment read. Another wrote, "When you hang around the wrong crowd that secretly looks down on your success, you get killed for it."

Others urged followers to see Ariela's death as a warning, with several comments focusing on faith and repentance. "Here today, gone tomorrow is why EVERYBODY needs to repent and live for GOD," one user declared, while another added, "This could be any of us. Put God first."

Still, many came to Ariela's defense, slamming the negativity and reminding commenters that she was also a mother and daughter. "It doesn't matter what her lifestyle was; no one deserves to die like this. Be mindful, she was human," one fan wrote.