In the span of a single week, two young African-American models died in their downtown Los Angeles residences. An investigation is underway to determine whether there is a connection between them. Currently the LAPD says there is no evidence to link the two cases.
News Release: Death Investigations in Central Bureau pic.twitter.com/VG1qfobXwz
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) September 19, 2023
Earlier this month, September 10, 32-year-old Nichole Coats, known affectionately as Nikki, was discovered lifeless in her apartment on the 700 block of South Grand Avenue, according to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) News Release. This came just two days after the last communication she shared with her friends, mentioning her plans for a date that fateful evening. The LAPD is treating her death as suspicious and an ongoing investigation is currently under way.
News Release: Death Investigations in Central Bureau pic.twitter.com/VG1qfobXwz
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) September 19, 2023
On September 12, 31-year-old Maleesa Mooney was found dead in her high-rise apartment on South Figueroa Street, a location barely a mile away from Coats' residence. Mooney's death was hastily declared a homicide by LAPD, as reported by Hoodline. Both cases share similarities, primarily the close temporal and spatial proximity of their occurrences, as well as the mysterious circumstances shrouding the details of these deaths.
In a Hoodline article, Nikki's aunt, May Stevens, voiced her worry and suspicion, sharing her belief that "there's a predator loose." The anguish of losses materialized in these two vibrant lives, transforming a once vibrant cityscape with closed doors and whispered conversations."
The LAPD and Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner are working closely together to swiftly pursue leads and establish the cause of death for both women. In Coats' case, her family has established a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and to give her a proper send-off. As the investigation proceeds, it is the hope that answers will surface soon and that the veil of fear shrouding the city can be lifted.
If you have any information related to Maleesa Mooney's death, you are urged to call Detective Pierce or Marcinek of the LAPD Central Bureau Homicide Division at (213) 996-4150. Those who wish to remain anonymous may submit tips to the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or online. For Nichole Coats' case, if you have any information, please call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
