Overview

• Responders found Ariela Mejía-Polanco early Aug. 17 in a black Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class on Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon, with the driver-side window shattered and multiple bullet impacts.
• The Westchester County medical examiner confirmed she died from gunshot wounds.
• Westchester detectives say the homicide does not appear random and describe the shooting as a targeted attack, with support from state and federal partners.
• Her partner, identified in reports as Nata Cartier or Catriel, was detained for questioning; authorities have not announced any charges.
• A prominent nightlife worker and content creator with over half a million Instagram followers, she was mourned by colleagues and venues including Ikon New York, and by rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine.