Social Media Influencer Ariela Mejia-Polanco Found Shot to Death in Mount Vernon

Community Mourns Influencer's Death

• 💔 Ariela Mejia-Polanco, known as Ariela Lang Costa on social media, was found shot to death in her car on the Cross County Parkway.
• 😔 The 33-year-old nightlife influencer, who had over half a million followers, was discovered Sunday morning.
• 🎤 Cardi B and others have posted tributes, remembering her as a beautiful and happy person.

Investigation into Targeted Killing

• 📍 Police discovered Mejia-Polanco behind the wheel of her Gwagon near the Mount Vernon exit, having been shot multiple times.
• 🚗 She was reportedly heading home from her job at Icon New York in Inwood.
• 🎯 Investigators are treating the death as a targeted killing, not a random act, and are working to determine the motive and perpetrator.

Personal Life and Legacy

• ✨ Beyond her online persona, Mejia-Polanco is remembered by her family as a great daughter and mother.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 She leaves behind two children, aged 13 and 14.
• 😥 Co-workers and friends express deep sadness and are awaiting the capture of her killer.