A tragic shooting in New York City has left Ariella La Langosta, the reported girlfriend of rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, dead, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her untimely death. The 29-year-old social media influencer and bartender was found deceased inside a vehicle on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon on August 17, 2025. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspicious death, but details remain limited, fueling speculation about possible connections to 6ix9ine’s controversial past.
Ariella, known online as “Ariela the Lobster,” was a Dominican-born influencer with over 551,000 Instagram followers. She built her platform through vibrant modeling and dance content, captivating audiences since joining Instagram in 2018. Beyond social media, she worked as a bartender at IKON New York, a popular Manhattan lounge, and had performed alongside 6ix9ine at events like a 2023 appearance at the Taboga Room. Her death has left fans and colleagues devastated, with IKON New York issuing a heartfelt tribute describing her as a “shining star.”
The shooting occurred on Sunday night, though police have not released specifics about the number of shots fired or the exact sequence of events. Early reports mistakenly linked Ariella’s death to a separate restaurant shooting in New York City that same day, which killed three people and injured eight. Authorities have since clarified that the incidents are unrelated. Some unverified claims suggest 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, may have been with Ariella at the time and could have been the intended target. However, no official statements confirm this theory.
Tekashi 6ix9ine, a polarizing figure in the music industry, expressed his grief through an emotional Instagram post, sharing photos and videos of Ariella and describing her as having “the most beautiful heart.” This marks the first time he publicly acknowledged their relationship. The rapper’s history of legal troubles and gang affiliations has sparked speculation about whether Ariella’s death is tied to his past. In 2019, 6ix9ine testified against members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, earning him the “snitch” label and ongoing threats, including a fake casket delivered to his Florida home in February 2025 bearing the name of his slain rival, King Von.
Currently, 6ix9ine is on probation following a 45-day stint in federal custody for violating supervised release in late 2024. His probation terms, which extend through late 2025, include home incarceration, electronic monitoring, and a ban on international travel. In July 2025, he pleaded guilty to drug charges after a March raid on his Florida home uncovered MDMA, cocaine, and other substances. He awaits sentencing in September 2025, which could further complicate his legal standing. Despite these challenges, sources indicate he is working on a new Spanish-language EP, though his career has struggled to regain momentum since his 2019 testimony.
The motive behind Ariella’s murder remains unclear. Some speculate it could be linked to 6ix9ine’s enemies, while others consider the possibility of a personal dispute or random act of violence. The New York City police have not identified suspects or made arrests, leaving the investigation open.
