Ariela Mejia-Polanco: Social Media Influencer Fatally Shot in Mount Vernon

Mourning a Community Loss

• 💔 The hip-hop and nightlife communities are mourning the death of 33-year-old Ariela Mejia-Polanco, a social media influencer.
• 😔 She was fatally shot on Sunday morning while driving alone in her car on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon.
• 💬 Friends and colleagues remember her as a hostess at Opus Lounge in Inwood and an influencer with half a million followers on Instagram.

Victim's Background and Connections

• 🚗 Mejia-Polanco was found in a luxury SUV, which she had showcased on social media in March.
• 🏡 She owned a large home in the northern suburbs, where friends and family declined to comment.
• 🎤 The victim was a close friend of the rapper Tekashi69, who featured her in a music video and posted about her death.

Ongoing Investigation

• 🔍 Westchester County police are investigating her movements, activities, and relationships.
• ⚖️ They are working with the District Attorney's office to build a murder case against the responsible party.