Slain Social Media Influencer Ariela Mejia-Polanco Was Targeted, Police Say

Homicide Investigation of Ariela Mejia-Polanco

• 🎯 Ariela Mejia-Polanco, a 33-year-old nightlife influencer with half a million Instagram followers, was found dead in her Mercedes SUV on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon.
• 📅 The incident occurred eight days prior to the report, on Sunday, August 17th.
• 🚓 Investigators believe Mejia-Polanco was specifically targeted in the shooting.

Investigation Details and Leads

• 🤝 Westchester County Police are collaborating with the NYPD and the FBI safe streets task force on the homicide investigation.
• 🚗 Police are working to confirm that Mejia-Polanco was shot while driving her vehicle, which then stopped on the side of the road.
• 🔍 Detectives are reviewing the victim's history, including her social media presence which displayed cash and jewelry, to identify potential motives and connections.
• 🗣️ Mejia-Polanco was known as a close friend of controversial rapper Tekashi69.

Family and Community Impact

• 💔 Investigators state they are making progress but are withholding details to protect the integrity of the investigation.
• 🕊️ Visitation for Mejia-Polanco was scheduled for Sunday in New Jersey.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 She is survived by two young daughters.