Maleesa Mooney, a 31-year-old model, was found dead in her downtown Los Angeles apartment on September 12, leading to a homicide investigation.Β
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The cause of her death was confirmed as "homicidal violence," with additional contributing factors noted by the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner.Β
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Autopsy findings revealed that Maleesa Mooney, who was two months pregnant at the time, had been beaten and "wedged" inside her refrigerator.Β
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The autopsy report described how her wrists and ankles were bound together with electronic cords and clothing items, and she was found gagged with visible injuries to her head, torso, and arms.Β
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While some injuries were not considered life-threatening on their own, they suggested she had been involved in a violent altercation before her death.Β
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Toxicology testing indicated the presence of cocaine and alcohol in her system, but it remains uncertain if they played a role in her death.Β
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The medical examiner's report concluded that Maleesa Mooney's death was likely the result of another individual's actions, and it was categorized as a homicide.Β
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Her body was discovered during a welfare check by the police, six days after she was last seen on surveillance cameras.Β
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Mooney's sister, Jourdin Pauline, expressed her grief on social media and emphasized her sister's positive impact on her life.Β
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That fellow model Nichole Coats was also found dead in a similar downtown Los Angeles apartment, but authorities have not found a connection between the two cases.Β
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