A Dominican influencer was found dead inside a vehicle on Sunday in New York. The deceased, Ariela La Langosta, reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The body was found around 8 a.m. by police, who believe it to be a targeted attack.
Westchester County Police Chief of Department James Luciano shared that investigators believe Ariela was the victim of gun violence linked to criminal activity. Luciano spoke to the media, explaining that the vehicle she was found in appeared to be fairly new, but it had fresh damage on it.
Reports say that Ariela was discovered in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound. Luciano stressed that there is no threat to the wider community, but withheld additional details as the case remains active.
While the circumstances surrounding Ariela’s death are still unclear, unconfirmed reports on social media claim that the perpetrator opened fire on her vehicle while she was returning from a club. Police have not confirmed any of these allegations.
Hours before her death, Ariela had posted Instagram Stories showing herself at Ikon New York, a lounge in Manhattan where she also worked as a bartender. Following the tragedy, the venue released a statement mourning her loss.
“Today we lost our shining star,” Ikon New York wrote. “Your joy, your humility, and the way you treated everyone with so much care always made you stand out. Our hearts are broken. We still can’t believe it.”
Her passing has also drawn tributes from friends and colleagues. Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who featured Ariela in his music videos, described her as a “tremendous woman” in a post and expressed, “There is no heart more beautiful.”
The pair were seen out together on multiple occasions, and while some reports say they were only friends, some social media speculation indicates they may have been romantically involved.
