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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mejia-Polanco was a nightlife influencer and had over 550,000 followers on Instagram.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Police are investigating her death as a targeted killing and do not believe it was random.<\/p>\n
Investigators are trying to figure out who wanted her dead and why.<\/p>\n
Her family said Mejia-Polanco was a great daughter and mother who leaves behind her two children, ages 13 and 14.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Police have not announced any arrests.<\/p>\n
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