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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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 October 30, 2023

California model found dead, stuffed inside refrigerator

A successful real estate agent's sudden death shocks Los Angeles

Maleesa Mooney was known for her work with the prestigious Nest Seekers International. Specializing in real estate, she was in the midst of closing deals on several million-dollar homes. At only 31 years of age, her future seemed bright and promising.

Just a month before her tragic death, Mooney had moved into a new apartment, eager to start a fresh chapter in her life.

The night before her family lost contact with her, Maleesa was in high spirits, hosting friends at her new residence. Little did anyone know, it would be one of the last times they'd see her alive.

As reported by Fox News another alarming incident where a model, Nicole Coats, 32, was found dead in her apartment. However, authorities have clarified that as of now, there's "no evidence" linking the two cases.

Unsettling discovery and the aftermath

On September 10, alarm bells rang when Maleesa's family couldn't contact her for over 24 hours. They made a formal request for a welfare check, fearing for her safety. The police, accompanied by the building's maintenance staff, discovered Mooney's lifeless body on September 12.

Jourdin Pauline, Maleesa's sister, conveyed the family's frustration and grief. She remarked, "The police are not providing us with any information regarding the case."

Adding to the mystery, security footage from the apartment complex revealed an unidentified man. He was spotted using Mooney's key fob to activate the elevator. This individual was seen carrying plastic bags into her apartment shortly after Maleesa was last spotted alive on September 6.

Details of the crime

The autopsy provided harrowing details about the state Maleesa was found in. The report confirmed that the cause of death was due to "homicidal violence". The injuries sustained by Mooney were indicative of a violent altercation.

She had suffered from blunt force trauma, particularly around her head, with the brutality extending to other parts of her body. One of the more severe injuries included a fractured rib, Yahoo reported.

Additionally, her wrists and ankles were tied behind her with electrical cords, and a makeshift gag made from clothing had been shoved into her mouth. Tragically, her body was discovered "wedged inside a refrigerator," with evidence of the struggle evident from the bloodstains outside it.

The medical examiner commented, "The blunt force traumatic injuries observed on Mooney are generally not considered acutely life-threatening on their own."

However, the circumstances suggest she underwent a traumatic experience before her demise. Adding to the complexity, the autopsy revealed traces of cocaine in her system, but its contribution to her death remains uncertain. In a heartbreaking revelation, it was also found that Mooney was expecting a child at the time of her death.

Theft or a darker motive?

Maleesa's apartment wasn't left untouched. Valuables, including her iPhone and MacBook, seemed to be missing. Jourdin Pauline shared her suspicions:

"I believe the suspects attempted to sell Maleesa's iPhone and MacBook."

Could theft have been the motive behind this gruesome act? Or was there a deeper, more sinister reason?

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

  • Prioritize personal safety: Always be cautious about who you allow into your personal space. While it's not always possible to predict criminal intent, it's essential to be mindful of new acquaintances.
  • Maintain regular contact: Ensure you have a system with close friends or family where you check in regularly, especially if you live alone.
  • Use technology to your advantage: Invest in security measures like surveillance cameras or security systems, which can act as deterrents and provide evidence if required.
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Always trust your gut feeling and prioritize your safety over politeness or societal norms.

It's crucial to remember that while we can take measures to protect ourselves, crime can happen to anyone. We should never blame the victim or make assumptions about their choices. Maleesa Mooney's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Why the community is shaken

The untimely and brutal death of Maleesa Mooney has left the Los Angeles community deeply disturbed. As a successful real estate agent and a promising model, her story resonates with many young professionals trying to make a mark in the city.

The unpredictable nature of her demise serves as a harrowing reminder of the lurking dangers in urban areas.

Furthermore, with another model found dead under suspicious circumstances just days before Mooney's murder, anxiety has gripped the modeling community. While the two incidents are not officially linked, the parallels have been hard to ignore.

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Written By: Rampart Stonebridge

I'm Rampart Stonebridge, a curious and passionate writer who can't get enough of true crime. As a criminal investigative journalist, I put on my detective hat, delving deep into each case to reveal the hidden truths. My mission? To share engaging stories and shed light on the complexities of our mysterious world, all while satisfying your curiosity about the intriguing realm of true crime.
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