Six individuals have been formally charged in connection with the murder of popular content creator Ariela Mejia-Polanco, known online as Ariela “La Langosta.” The tragic incident occurred on 17 August 2025, when the 33-year-old was found shot dead in her vehicle on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County, New York.
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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York revealed on 20 July 2026 that a total of 11 members of Bad Boys 7 (BB7), a faction of the Trinitarios street gang, face charges stemming from a series of violent crimes carried out between September 2023 and September 2025. Among these, six individuals have been specifically indicted for the alleged attempted carjacking that resulted in Mejia-Polanco’s death.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace commented on the gravity of the situation, emphasising the need to reclaim the streets from organised criminal activities. “Either the highways of this county belong to the criminal gangs, or they belong to the public,” she stated, expressing gratitude to the various agencies involved in the investigation.
According to the prosecution, the six charged suspects are accused of attempting an armed carjacking while Mejia-Polanco was en route from Manhattan to her home in Westchester. A high-speed chase ensued, during which she was shot and ultimately killed. The men identified are Justin Martha, Michael Mercedes Marte, Jose Peralta Gomez, Manuel Abad Rivas, Wilfren Carbuccia, and Jelin Portes Guaba. If found guilty, they face severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Mejia-Polanco was a well-known figure in the social media landscape, boasting a following of over 556,000 on Instagram, where she showcased her fashion and modelling content. She also had a notable public friendship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who took to his Instagram Stories to mourn her loss, referring to her as the “queen of New York” and expressing his heartfelt sorrow for her untimely demise. “NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you,” he wrote in tribute.
Tributes poured in from various quarters following the devastating news of her death. Ikon New York, a restaurant and lounge in Manhattan where Mejia-Polanco had worked shortly before her passing, shared an emotional message on social media. They remembered her joy, humility, and the warmth with which she treated everyone, stating, “Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours.” The establishment reassured her family of their support during this difficult time, acknowledging that her presence had been a source of happiness for many.
The alleged crime has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety in the region. The brutal nature of the incident and its impact on those who knew her highlight the troubling reality of street violence and gang-related activities that plague many urban areas. Community leaders and advocates are calling for heightened measures to combat gang violence and ensure public safety.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the indictments serve as a reminder of the grave consequences of violent crime. The families and friends of those affected, including Mejia-Polanco’s two young daughters, are left grappling with the painful reality of their loss.
In the coming months, the court proceedings are expected to draw significant attention as details of the case emerge. Affording justice to Ariela Mejia-Polanco and her family remains a top priority for the authorities and the community as a whole.
The tragic passing of Ariela “La Langosta” Mejia-Polanco highlights not only the loss of a vibrant, influential figure but also the urgent need to address the broader issues of crime and safety in society.