Two gorgeous models Maleesa Mooney and ‘Nikki’ Nichole Coats’ mystery deaths in their own apartments days apart spark serial killer fears.
Two young models have been found dead in their Downtown Los Angeles Apartments, located within less of a mile of each other, in the span of only two days.
The families of both women are concerned that these two deaths could be related and are desperate for any information that could shed more light on these investigations.
And while the case is still under investigation, here’s what we know about what happened to them.
Who were Maleesa Mooney and Nichole Coats?
Nichole “Nikki” Coats, 32, and Maleesa Mooney, 31, were two aspiring models.
Coats first worked from home as a remote sales representative while she pursued her modeling dreams.
For Mooney, she is the sister Jourdin Pauline, a famous musician.
While there are no clues whether they were friends, the two young models have been found dead in their Downtown Los Angeles Apartments, located within less of a mile of each other, in the span of only two days.
Credit: Instagram/jourdinpauline
What happened to Maleesa Mooney and Nichole Coats?
Fears about a serial killer on the loose have grown in one major US city after two aspiring models were found dead just days apart.
Maleesa Mooney and Nichole Coats were reported dead in their Downtown Los Angeles Apartments, located within less of a mile of each other, in the span of only two days.
A desparate search for Nichole Coats by her family after they reported to the police that they could not get in touch with her led to the discovery of her lifeless body in her apartment on Grand Avenue on September 10, 2023.
When police did a wellness check they found Nikki dead in her apartment. Nikki’s family told KTLA that her bed was covered in blood. Police have not yet ruled her death as a homicide.
However, only two days later and less than a mile away another model Maleesa Mooney, 31, was found brutally murdered in her apartment after moving in on August 1st.
Maleesa’s family tells us that she was seen going into her apartment with a group of friends. Later, the friends left but Maleesa stayed in the apartment and was later found deceased.
Maleesa’s family say they haven’t heard from her since September 6th after she returned home from a trip to Miami.
The family sent police to do a wellness check on September 12th and found her apartment flooded and the AC on full blast, saying the apartment was freezing.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Mooney’s death as a homicide, local ABC affiliate KABC reported.
Maleesa’s sister says that investigators told her family the crime scene was so bad they had to investigate for 3 days.
The families of both women are concerned that these two deaths could be related and are desperate for any information that could shed more light on these investigations. The cases remain under investigation.
Coats’ family is still waiting for a coroner’s report to be released, but they suspect her death also involved foul play.
“I’m devastated that it happened to Nicole. This is horrible,” her mother Sharon told KABC.
“It’s like a dream, that my daughter’s going to walk through the door and she’s not. She’s gone.”
Both families stopped hearing from the victims on September 7.
“There is a predator on the loose,” Coats’ aunt, May Stevens, who discovered the body, said at a press conference covered by The Daily Mail.
Families in mourning state
Mooney’s family held a candlelight vigil in her honor on Sunday night.
Many dressed up in pink, the aspiring model’s favorite color, as they released balloons into the sky over Downtown Los Angeles.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told The U.S. Sun it’s too early to determine if there’s a connection between the cases.
The exact causes of death are still unknown.
Investigations are ongoing as police ask for tips from the public.
Investigators have asked members of the public to come forward with any information regarding Mooney’s case.
They can share this information by calling (213) 996-4150 Monday through Friday or (877) 527-3247 on weekends and non-business hours.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or submit tips at this link.
A spokesperson for the department told The U.S. Sun a death investigation is underway regarding Coats’ case.
Mooney’s sister Jourdin Pauline, a musician with more than 1million followers on Instagram, posted a tribute on the platform.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d have to make this post and get justice for my one & only sister,” she said.
“My heart is crushed I can’t believe you won’t be here with us anymore.
“You were so loving and so kind to everyone.”
Pauline also praised Mooney’s cooking skills and promised to carry on her memory.
Coats’ loved ones organized a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her funeral expenses.
It quickly surpassed its goal of $10,000 by more than $5,000.
“Nikki’s vibrant personality was one that touched and affected everyone she crossed paths with,” said John Clark, who organized the campaign.
“She is known as an amazing daughter, friend and soul. Her untimely passing has left us shocked.”