New information is being released in the tragic killing of model Maleesa Mooney.
As originally reported, Mooney was discovered deceased in her LA apartment on September 12. Police confirmed that her cause of death was labeled due to “homicidal violence.”
Her body was found six days after she was last seen alive. Police were performing a welfare check at her mother’s request.
Now, more information regarding her murder is being released.
According to E! News, Mooney’s body was found inside of her refrigerator. Her wrists and ankles were tied together behind her back with “electronic cords and clothing items,” and she was gagged.
The autopsy report revealed that Mooney was beaten with visible injuries on her head, torso, and arms. At the time of her passing, she was two months pregnant.
In the report, the medical examiner said, “The blunt force traumatic injuries observed at autopsy are generally not considered 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 noted traces of cocaine and alcohol in Mooney’s system, though it could not be confirmed if those substances contributed to her death.
“Based on the history, circumstances, and autopsy findings, as currently known, Ms. Mooney’s death was likely the result of, or at least related to, the action of another individual(s),” the report read. “Without findings to elucidate a clear mechanism of death, or knowledge of the sequence of events leading up to Ms. Mooney’s death, the cause of death is deemed homicidal violence. The manner of death is homicide.”
It remains unclear if the police have any leads as to who is responsible for Mooney’s murder. She was just 31 at the time of her passing.
