Cross County Parkway homicide victim identified

Ariela Mejia-Polanco, known online as Ariela La Langosta, was identified by police as the victim found dead on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon; investigators say the killing appears targeted.

Violent death on Cross County Parkway prompts debate about public safety

The Westchester County Police identified the victim as 33-year-old Ariela Mejia-Polanco, known on social media as Ariela La Langosta. She was found Sunday morning behind the wheel of a car on the eastbound shoulder of the Cross County Parkway near Broad Street in Mount Vernon. The medical examiner ruled the death a gunshot wound. Friends and family gathered outside Opus Lounge in Inwood to remember her.

Police say the homicide is not random and investigators believe she was likely targeted for violence. There have been no arrests announced, and the investigation remains ongoing. The scene and the outpouring of support at a local lounge underscore how violence on and around public spaces affects families and neighborhoods alike.

This case underlines how gun violence can touch everyday places, from roads to nightlife districts, and raises questions about what safety measures are in place along major corridors in Westchester. It also highlights the strain on community ties when tragedy hits someone known online and in local circles.

Beyond the immediate facts, the situation tests how authorities communicate during active investigations and how communities interpret early assurances that a crime is targeted rather than random. Local leaders may need clearer updates and stronger local safety signals to maintain public trust.

Highlights

As details emerge, the balance between protecting the public and preserving an open investigative process will shape public conversations.