Family members are concerned about a serial killer on the loose after news that two Los Angeles-area models died within three miles of each other within days of each other.
On September 10, family members discovered the body of model Nichole “Nikki” Coats in her apartment, two days after they last heard from her via text message when she told them she was on a date.
Her death is still being treated as “suspicious” pending a report from a Los Angeles County coroner.
Just two days later and three miles away, 31-year-old Maleesa Mooney was found dead in her luxury Los Angeles high-rise apartment after her family requested a wellness check because her blue text message conversations with her turned green.
Coats’ aunt, May Stevens, who discovered her body, suggested in a news conference that “a predator is on the loose,” although only Mooney’s death was officially ruled a murder.
On September 10, family members discovered the body of model Nichole “Nikki” Coats in her apartment, two days after they last heard from her via text message when she told them she was on a date
“This is senseless and I want answers because my daughter is dead,” added the victim’s mother, Sharon Coats.
“And it’s not fair. I want everyone to find out who did this to her. She shouldn’t be gone.’
Stevens said when she and other concerned family members discovered her body, they could barely tell it was her.
“I couldn’t recognize her,” she said. “I really believe it was murder.”
Coats’ mother told KTLA that her daughter “had no enemies” and was “loved by friends and the community.”
Another family member expressed similar sentiments about Coats in a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.
“She is known as a great daughter, friend and soul,” wrote John Clark. “Her untimely death shocked us.”
“There is no way we could have imagined or prepared for this difficult time.”
Coats’ mother Sharon said her daughter “had no enemies” and was “loved by friends and the community.”
Coats’ aunt May Stevens (pictured right), who discovered her body, suggested in a press conference that “a predator is on the loose,” although only Mooney’s death was officially ruled a murder
Coats’ apartment in downtown Los Angeles was just three miles from where Mooney was found two days later
Coats’ death is still being treated as “suspicious” pending a report from a Los Angeles County coroner
Coats’ apartment in downtown Los Angeles was just three miles from where Mooney was found two days later.
Mooney worked as a real estate agent at the Beverly Hills-based agency Nest Seekers and had moved into her new home just a month ago, her family said.
Police entered her Skye home in Bunker Hill shortly before 4pm on September 12 and found the woman murdered. They didn’t say how long she had been dead.
Her family knew something was wrong when her iPhone text conversations with Mooney turned from blue to green — signaling a change in Wi-Fi and data services.
Bailey Babb, Mooney’s cousin, told KTLA that the family asked for a wellness check when she stopped answering their calls: “After a week, we just knew something was wrong.”
“Their messages weren’t getting through and we knew something was wrong because we all have a special relationship with Maleesa.”
Jourdin Pauline, her pop star sister who has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, said: “Maleesa was always someone who brought peace in our family, someone who was always the backbone and made sure everyone came together and each other loved.”
Tributes poured in for aspiring model Mooney, 31, as LA police launched a murder investigation after finding her dead in her apartment
Mooney (right) worked as a real estate agent at the Beverly Hills-based agency Nest Seekers and had moved into her new home just a month ago, her family said
“So that’s a really big part of us that’s gone now.”
She wrote in a heartfelt tribute on social media: “Never in a million years did I think I would have to write this post to bring justice to my only sister. My heart is broken.”
“I can’t believe you won’t be here with us anymore. You were so loving and kind to everyone, you made sure to eat everyone around you when you ate them. You opened your arms to people who didn’t deserve you as a friend. “You are the best thing that can happen to almost all the lives you have touched!”
She added: “This feels so surreal that I keep waking up crying and thinking I’m having a bad dream. We will get justice for you, my sister. I promise you won’t leave in vain!”
Pauline said her sister’s iCloud had a warning that she was still online, which led her to believe her killer was trying to steal and sell her iPhone and MacBook.
Her family knew something was wrong when her iPhone text conversations with Mooney turned from blue to green — signaling a change in Wi-Fi and data services
The building features a resort-style pool, sundeck and central courtyard, as well as shared barbecue areas, tennis courts and a dog park
Jourdin Pauline, her pop star sister who has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, said: “Maleesa was always someone who brought peace in our family, someone who was always the backbone and made sure everyone came together and each other love.”
Residents of the 450-unit high-rise have reportedly been “raising the alarm” about strange, suspicious activity in the building in recent weeks.
Rent for studio and one-bedroom apartments in the complex starts at $2,019 per month.
The building also features a resort-style pool, sundeck and central courtyard, as well as shared barbecue areas, tennis courts and a dog park.
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement: “Central Bureau Homicide Detectives (LAPD) are seeking the public’s assistance with any information in a homicide investigation.”
“On September 12, 2023, at approximately 3:54 p.m., LAPD Central Area uniformed patrol officers responded to a radio call for a welfare check in the 200 block of South Figueroa Street.
“Officers located a victim (later identified as Maleesa Mooney) who had died in a residence.
“The officers contacted the Central Homicide Squad, who responded and assumed investigative responsibility for the case.”
“The investigation revealed that Maleesa Mooney was murdered in her apartment.
“The exact cause of Maleesa Mooney’s death remains unknown pending an autopsy conducted by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.”
“The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying anyone responsible for the death of Maleesa Mooney.”