MOUNT VERNON, New York (WABC) — An investigation is underway after a social media influencer was found shot multiple times and killed in her car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday.
Ariela Mejia-Polanco, 33, was found dead around 8 a.m. behind the wheel of her car on the shoulder of the eastbound lanes near the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon.
The mother of two, who was known as Ariela Lalangosta on social media, left her job at Ikon New York on Sunday morning around 4:30 a.m., according to family.
Mejia-Polanco was a nightlife influencer and had over 550,000 followers on Instagram.
Her notoriety as an influencer brought about a shock with her death, especially in her community. Rap superstar Cardi B even posted, “RIP Dominican Pretty.”
Ikon Lounge wrote in part, “Our hearts are broken. Your joy, your humility, and the way you treated everyone with so much care always made you stand out.”
Police are investigating her death as a targeted killing and do not believe it was random.
Investigators are trying to figure out who wanted her dead and why.
Her family said Mejia-Polanco was a great daughter and mother who leaves behind her two children, ages 13 and 14.
Opus Lounge is another one of the nightlife venues where the victim worked. Its account posted to social media that “nightlife has lost an angel.”
Police have not announced any arrests.
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