Los Angeles Police Detectives Investigating Mysterious Murder of Model Maleesa Mooney
Los Angeles police detectives are facing a puzzling mystery as they continue to investigate the apparent murder of model Maleesa Mooney. Last week’s autopsy report revealed a shocking anomaly – no clear cause of death.
The 31-year-old model was found bound, beaten, gagged, and wedged inside a refrigerator in her downtown Los Angeles apartment. Police made the grisly discovery on September 12 during a welfare check.
According to the autopsy report obtained by KTLA, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as “homicidal violence,” but could not identify a specific injury that definitively took her life. This unusual classification has left lead detective David Marcinek perplexed, as he has never encountered a case where “homicidal violence” was the cause of death.
The autopsy report revealed that Mooney had suffered blunt force trauma to her head, torso, and arms, resulting in multiple lacerations and contusions. Additionally, traces of cocaine and alcohol were found in her system. The medical examiner noted that while the observed injuries are not typically life-threatening on their own, they suggest Mooney had likely been involved in a violent physical altercation prior to her death.
Marcinek believes that Mooney succumbed to the cumulative impact of her injuries. However, there is a discrepancy between Mooney’s family’s initial statements and the autopsy report. The family had claimed she was two months pregnant at the time of her death, but the report contradicts this. The significance of this discrepancy is yet to be determined.
Despite receiving numerous tips and reviewing security camera footage from Mooney’s apartment on South Figueroa Street, the detectives have not made any arrests. Marcinek remains tight-lipped about whether they have identified a person of interest but assures the public that this appears to be an isolated incident.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide unit at (213) 996-4150. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit KTLA.
