Nightlife Star Carjacked and Slain by 'Bad Boys 7'

Twelve alleged members of the 'Bad Boys 7' gang, a faction of the Trinitarios, have been indicted on federal racketeering conspiracy charges. These charges are connected to a pattern of violent criminal activity spanning from September 2023 to September 2025.

The gang is accused of committing numerous violent acts, including assaults, armed robberies, carjackings, and at least five murders. Their operations were primarily based in New Jersey and the Bronx, but their violence extended across New York City boroughs and into other states.

One of the victims highlighted in the indictment is nightlife personality Ariela Mejia-Polanco. The 33-year-old, with a significant social media following, was found deceased from multiple gunshot wounds inside her vehicle following a carjacking. Her death has been described as "horrific in its brutality."

Authorities reported that the indicted defendants, aged 20 to 30, collectively had 40 prior arrests. The charges include alleged involvement in murders, robberies, assaults, carjackings, drug trafficking, and wire fraud. The murder-for-racketeering charges carry special factors that make most defendants eligible for the death penalty.