Mejia-Polanco's body was found in a vehicle on the eastbound Cross County Parkway before the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

This story has been updated. 

The woman discovered dead behind the wheel of a car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester was killed by gunfire, authorities confirmed.

According to the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office, 33-year-old Ariela Mejia-Polanco, who had addresses in both Westchester and Rockland counties, died from gunshot wounds.

Her body was found around 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, inside a vehicle stopped on the eastbound Cross County Parkway near the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon, Westchester County Police said.

The discovery initially began when a patrol officer responded to a report of a disabled vehicle on the shoulder. Mejia-Polanco was then found deceased inside, prompting detectives and forensic units to process the scene.

Investigators have determined Mejia-Polanco was likely targeted for violence and that the incident was not a random act.

The case remains under investigation by the department’s General Investigations Unit, with assistance from local, state, and federal partners. Police said no additional details are being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.