New details surrounding the tragic death of Maleesa Marie Mooney were unveiled in a recent autopsy report by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
The report officially classifies her death as a result of “homicidal violence.”
Mooney, a 31-year-old model, was found dead in her downtown Los Angeles apartment on September 12. The autopsy indicates that she had been brutally beaten and bound before being placed inside her refrigerator, painting a chilling picture of the events leading to her death.
Mooney was last seen on video surveillance at her apartment on Sept 6. Concerned for her well-being, her mother requested a welfare check, leading law enforcement officials to enter her residence on September 12.
The autopsy also reveals evidence of blunt force trauma on various parts of her body. Additionally, toxicology tests uncovered traces of cocaine and alcohol in her system, as documented in the autopsy report.
The medical examiner’s report notes:
“The blunt force traumatic injuries observed at autopsy are generally not considered acutely life-threatening on their own. However, based on the circumstances of how Ms. Mooney was found, these injuries suggest she was likely involved in a violent physical altercation prior to her death.”
The report also states that it is “uncertain” what role, if any, drugs or alcohol may have played in her tragic passing.
To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The Los Angeles Police Department has not provided any further updates when contacted.
Mooney’s sister, Jourdin Pauline, has disclosed that Maleesa Mooney was two months pregnant at the time of her death. “She was super excited, and I know she really wanted a kid. It’s something she has always talked about,”
Pauline, who is 24 years old, shared with People. She also mentioned that her late sister’s boyfriend was profoundly affected by the incident.
Regarding the ongoing investigation, Pauline commented:
“From what we saw at the coroner and mortuary, my sister was in a struggle, and it’s devastating. It’s a very monstrous act. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. A lot of things just don’t make sense to us.”
Pauline recounted the chilling scene when her family arrived at Mooney’s apartment after the welfare check. She described it as “honestly so chilling,” adding, “I’ve never experienced anything like that before. Different parts of the carpet were ripped up, and the refrigerator was gone. Whatever happened that night was very scary and traumatic. I know she was so scared. I just hate to think about it.”
The death of Maleesa Mooney occurred just two days after another model, Nichole Coats, was also found deceased in her downtown Los Angeles apartment. While the two cases share some similarities, authorities have officially stated that they are not related.
In a recent development, the autopsy report for Nichole Coats, 32, revealed that she passed away on September 10 from “cocaine and ethanol toxicity,” according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
