The city of Los Angeles is grappling with the shocking deaths of two young women, both African-American models, within the span of a week. The victims were each found dead in their own respective downtown LA apartments, leaving their families, friends, and communities devastated and seeking answers.
Hoodline LA previously reported the September 12 case of 31-year-old model and real estate agent Maleesa Mooney who was found dead in her downtown L.A. high-rise apartment on South Figueroa Street. Mooney, who would have celebrated her birthday the in about a month, was discovered by the LAPD after they conducted a welfare check on her residence. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office had not yet confirmed the exact cause of Mooney's death at the time, but the LAPD hastily deemed it a homicide.
Heart wrenchingly, another life was abruptly taken just a week later. Loved ones discovered the body of Nichole Coats, also 32, inside her apartment at Eighth & Grand on September 10, as KTLA reported. Coats, known to her family as Nikki, was last heard from on September 8, when she told her friends she was going out on a date. Her subsequent silence prompted her concerned family members to visit her apartment, where they found a grisly and puzzling scene. Nikki's mother, Sharon Coats, expressed her anguish and determination to seek justice for her daughter: "This is senseless and I want some answers because my daughter is gone."
Although both cases involved young female models found dead in their downtown apartments, the LAPD has yet to determine a direct link between them. Mooney's case is being treated as a murder, while Coats' death is considered "suspicious." Investigators, alongside the L.A. County Coroner's Office, are closely analyzing the available details to uncover the cause of Coats' death according to KTLA.
The close proximity of these two cases, both in time and location, has sparked fear among the victims' families, friends, and acquaintances. Nikki's aunt, May Stevens, articulated her deep concern and suspicion: "I feel that there's a predator loose."
As both families grieve the incomprehensible loss of their loved ones, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Friends and members of the community who knew these women as caring and compassionate individuals are joining the families in their determination to bring their assailants to light. As the investigation moves forward, it is crucial for all citizens of Los Angeles to remain vigilant and report any information that may contribute to solving these mysterious and alarming cases. A GoFundMe has been started for Nichole Coats.
If you have information regarding Maleesa Mooney's death, LAPD urges you to contact Detective Pierce or Marcinek at (213) 996-4150. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips to the L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477 or through their website. In the case of Nichole Coats' death, anyone with information is asked to call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
