Slain LA model Maleesa Mooney’s autopsy report sheds new light on her brutal murder and its aftermath
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pregnant model Maleesa Mooney was bound and gagged inside her refrigerator, according to the autopsy report.
Los Angeles Department of the Medical Examiner released the report on October 27.
The 31-year-old Los Angeles model was found dead in her downtown LA apartment located in the 200 block of S Figueroa Street.
The Los Angeles Police Department investigators found the body at around 4 p.m. on September 12 after the model's mother requested a welfare check.
Mooney who was last seen on her apartment complex's surveillance video on September 6, was two months pregnant at the time of death.
Autopsy report gives details on Maleesa Mooney's death
The autopsy report listed the model's death as "homicidal violence." According to the LA County Medical Examiner's Office, Mooney was "severely beaten, bound and gagged and stuffed inside of her refrigerator," reported CBS.
Her hands and legs were also tied together behind her back "with miscellaneous electronic cords and clothing items."
The autopsy also found "blunt force traumatic injuries" on the model's face/head, back, and upper left arm, reported the New York Post. A toxicology test found benzoylecgonine —a cocaine metabolite, and alcohol in her system.
"The blunt force traumatic injuries observed at autopsy are generally not considered acutely life-threatening on their own," wrote the medical examiner in the autopsy report.
"However, based on the circumstances of how Ms Mooney was found, these injuries suggest she was likely involved in a violence physical altercation prior to her death."
However, the examiner was "uncertain" about the role of drugs and alcohol in her system as a cause of death.
Based on her family's statements, Mooney moved to the apartment just a month ago. Before, she worked as a real estate agent in a Beverly Hills-based agency.
Maleesa Mooney was 'super excited' to be a mother
Mooney's sister, Jourdin Pauline, talked to the media after the model's death.
"She was super excited and I know she really wanted a kid, and it's something that she has always talked about."
Pauline also revealed that nothing makes sense about how her sister died.
"From what we saw at the coroner and mortuary, my sister was in a struggle and it's devastating. It's a very monstrous act. I wouldn't wish this on anyone."
"I've never experienced anything like that before. Different parts of the carpet were ripped up and the refrigerator was gone. Whatever happened that night was very scary and traumatic. I know she was so scared. I just hate to think about it," said Pauline recalling the day the family arrived at Mooney's apartment after the welfare check.
Police have made no arrests so far in connection with the murder.