Ariela La Langosta was gunned down in New York on August 17.

The 33-year-old content creator — whose real name was Ariela Mejia-Polanco — was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County.

Now her death is being investigated as a ‘targeted’ murder, it was reported on Monday.

‘Investigation to date, we do believe she was targeted at this time,’ Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York.

Police believe Ariela was shot while driving her car and only stopped the vehicle on the side of the parkway after she was hit. 

Authorities are working to retrace Mejia-Polanco’s steps before she was killed.

Ariela La Langosta was gunned down in New York on August 17. The 33-year-old content creator — whose real name was Ariela Mejia-Polanco — was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County

Now her death is being investigated as a ‘targeted’ murder, it was reported on Monday. ‘Investigation to date, we do believe she was targeted at this time,’ Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York

Some information from public release to safeguard the investigation, the outlet also reported.

Per CBS New York, Westchester County has been working with the New York Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force throughout the investigation.

Authorities confirmed the social media star and Dominican fashion influencer was discovered in the driver’s seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester around 8 a.m. on August 17. 

Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was ‘targeted for violence,’ stressing the killing was not random. 

Her fiend Tekashi 6ix9ine took to Instagram to post a series of emotional tributes, sharing personal clips with Ariela and calling her a ‘tremendous woman’ he considered ‘like a sister.’ 

‘NY won’t ever be the same,’ added the rapper. ‘I loved you.’

She had built a following of more than 550,000 on Instagram and previously appeared as a dancer in his 2023 music video for Wapae.

Police believe Ariela was shot while driving her car and only stopped the vehicle on the side of the parkway after she was hit. Authorities are working to retrace Mejia-Polanco’s steps before she was killed.

In the wake of her death, Ariela’s workplace, Ikon restaurant and lounge in New York, also honored her memory, describing her as a ‘shining star’.

‘Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours,’ they wrote. 

‘To Ariela’s family, we are here for anything you need. We still can’t believe it… you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever.’ 

In the wake of Ariela’s death, the restaurant announced it would close temporarily as a sign of respect for her.

Ariela’s loss has sent shockwaves through New York’s nightlife community. 

‘She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy—the kind of person who could light up any room she entered,’ read a statement shared on Instagram. 

Tekashi 6ix9ine is grieving the shocking death of his longtime friend Ariela ‘La Langosta’ Mejia-Polanco

Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was ‘targeted for violence,’ stressing the killing was not random

‘She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious.’

The Queens-based lounge Starlet of NY also expressed its sorrow over her passing. 

In a statement, the venue said its staffers were ‘deeply saddened by the loss.’ 

‘She was a one-of-a-kind soul—a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered,’ the statement added. 

‘Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us.’