Ariela Mejia-Polanco, also known as Ariela La Langosta, was a Dominican influencer and model with over 500,000 Instagram followers. The 33-year-old was well-known for her vivid fashion content and strong friendship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, featured in his 2023 music video ‘Wapae’.
On Sunday, August 17, she was found dead in her car on the eastbound Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon, New York. Authorities verified she died as a result of gunshot wounds and believe the incident was deliberate rather than random. Her untimely death has shocked the New York nightlife scene, where she was a recognizable face and employee at places such as Ikon New York.
Ariela La Langosta Biography
Ariiela was born in the Dominican Republic, celebrates her birthday on May 15 (Taurus), and initially received popularity on Instagram in March 2018. She eventually moved to New York, where she immersed herself in the city’s bustling nightlife culture and content creation, establishing a persona that many people identified with. Details regarding her childhood, education, and early dreams are not publicly available.
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Career
Gained popularity on Instagram in 2018 by sharing fashion and dance material that connected with a growing audience. In 2023, Ariela took part in Tekashi 6ix9ine’s music video for “Wapae”. Her bold, outspoken demeanor and nightclub content garnered her over 500,000 followers by mid-2025.
She worked as a bartender and sometimes waitress at Ikon New York, a Manhattan lounge, until the day she died. Though she was not legally recognized, she was praised by leaders from New York’s nightlife scene for her enthusiasm and charisma.
Ariela La Langosta Relationships
According to multiple news outlets, Ariiela was in a relationship with a man named Nata Cartier, who was briefly questioned by police following her murder. She was also well-known for her close friendship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who paid her an impassioned tribute after her death. A New York nightclub paid tribute to her as a “loving mother,” yet information on her children is not publicly available.
She was noted for her tight relationship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine. They had a prominent friendship, and she starred in his 2023 music video “Wapae”. According to Yahoo News Canada, he offered an impassioned homage to her following her death, calling her a “tremendous woman” and the “queen of New York”.
Some reports even refer to her as his “girlfriend” or as having “romantic ties” with him; however, the exact nature of their relationship beyond close friendship has yet to be proven. Nata Cartier was recognized as Ariela La Langosta’s boyfriend and detained by New York police for interrogation following her death. However, no official suspects or motivations have been identified, according to Revista Merca2.0. Police are investigating other possibilities, including whether the shooting was intended for her or Cartier.
According to Revista Merca2.0, reports from Dominican source El Caribe link Cartier to “Operation Mayweather,” an investigation into a criminal network involved in unlawful operations.
Ariela La Langosta’s Cause of Death
La Langosta Mejia Polcano was killed on Sunday morning while driving alone on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon, New York, in what police believe was a “targeted” incident. She was discovered deceased at around 8 a.m. local time.
According to the Westchester County Police Department, a preliminary investigation revealed that La Langosta was “likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act.” In March, the influencer shared photographs of a luxurious Mercedes SUV on social media. According to CBS News New York, the vehicle she was driving when she was slain remains the same.
The Westchester County Police Department stated on Facebook that “the homicide is still being investigated by detectives from the General Investigations Unit.” Other local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities have assisted in the investigation. Additional information will not be shared at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Net Worth
As of the time of her death, Ariela La Langosta’s net worth is not known to the public.
Social Media
Instagram: @ariiela.lalangosta