Death of two models found dead in ‘gruesome’ scenes in luxurious downtown LA apartments a week apart are ‘not related’, cops say after serial killer fears were sparked
Los Angeles police say the gruesome deaths of two models in luxury downtown apartments are “unconnected” after some suggested a serial killer may be on the loose.
An LAPD representative said that despite the similarities between the deaths of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney, the incidents are not believed to be related.
Coats, 32, was found dead in a bloody scene inside her South Grand Avenue apartment on Sept. 10, while Mooney, 31, was found dead two days later.
Mooney’s apartment on South Figueroa Street is located a mile from Coats and police are currently investigating his death as a homicide.
As police investigate, family members of both women have come forward and expressed concerns that an individual is killing women in the area.
Nichole Coats (left) was found dead on September 10 in her apartment on South Grand Avenue. Mooney (right) was found dead two days later in her apartment on South Figueroa Street.
Coats was found dead in her Grand Street apartment while Mooney was discovered just a mile away in the 200 block of South Figueroa Street.
In its statement Tuesday, the LAPD clarified that although the women’s age, race, occupation and manner of death are similar, they are investigating separately.
“So far, there is no evidence to suggest that the deaths of Ms. Coats and Ms. Mooney are related to each other,” a representative told KTLA.
Cops declined to provide additional details and said the killings were still considered “active investigations.”
The clarification comes just a day after Coats’ family spoke with KTLA and told the outlet they found her in unrecognizable condition following her death.
“I couldn’t recognize her,” said Coats’ aunt, May Stevens.
“I think it was murder, I really do. One of his legs was in the air in a kicking position. This is not someone who just laid down in bed and died,” she said.
Police have ruled Mooney’s death a homicide, but have not yet officially declared Coats’ death a murder. Details about their causes of death have not been shared.
The model’s aunt and father discovered her inside the residence two days after she last heard, telling friends she had a date on September 8.
“I don’t know who she dated or what happened there,” said Sharon Coats, Nikki’s mother. “I have no idea, but I’m going to find out.”
“If you’re out there, you’re going to get caught.” You are making fun of the wrong person,” the angry and grieving mother said.
Coats’ death is still considered “suspicious” pending the Los Angeles County coroner’s report.
Coats’ apartment in downtown Los Angeles was a mile from where Mooney was found two days later.
Coats’ aunt, May Stevens (right), discovered his body. Seen here with Sharon Coats, Nikki’s mother
Money, the sister of Guyanese pop star Jourdin Pauline, was found dead on September 12 after a series of unanswered calls and text messages.
His phone messages had changed from blue to green, his family said.
During a social check, the police found the body of the model.
It’s unclear how long she’s been dead or in the apartment.
Mooney worked as a real estate agent for Beverly Hills-based agency Nest Seekers and had moved into her new home only a month ago, her family said.
Bailey Babb, Mooney’s cousin, told KTLA the family requested a wellness check when she stopped answering his calls.
“When a week passed, we knew something was wrong.”
“Her messages were not being delivered and we knew something was going on because we all have a special relationship with Maleesa,” Babb said.
Pauline, who has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, posted about her sister, sharing that Mooney was a “peacemaker” in their family.
“Maleesa has always been someone who is a peacemaker in our family, someone who has always been the backbone and makes sure everyone comes together and loves each other” , she wrote.
Mooney in a photo from her sister’s Instagram account
Jourdin Pauline, Mooney’s sister who has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, said: “Maleesa has always been someone who is a peacemaker in our family, someone who has always been the thorn backbone and making sure everyone comes together and loves each other.
Residents living in the 450-unit Mooney high-rise have reportedly ‘raised the alarm’ about strange and suspicious activity in the building in recent weeks
Residents living in the 450-unit Mooney high-rise have reportedly “raised the alarm” about strange and suspicious activity in the building in recent weeks.
Rent for studios and one-bed apartments at the complex starts at $2,019 per month.
The building also has a resort-style swimming pool, terrace, and central courtyard, as well as shared barbecue grills, tennis courts, and a dog park.
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement: “Investigators with the Central Homicide Bureau (LAPD) are seeking the public’s assistance with any information relating to a murder investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detectives Pierce or Marcinek at 213-996-4150 or contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.