Following the recent deaths of two models in their downtown Los Angeles apartments, the Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday the investigation has yielded “no evidence to suggest that the deaths … are related to one another.”
Maleesa Mooney’s body was discovered in her apartment, located in the 200 block of South Figueroa Street, around 3:55 p.m. on Sept. 12. The 31-year-old’s family was unable to contact with her and notified authorities in the days leading up to the discovery.
While the LAPD has classified the case as a homicide, the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, pending an autopsy.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has since marked Mooney’s cause of death as “deferred.”
Related: Two Models Found Dead in Downtown LA Days Apart
A second woman, Nichole Coats was found dead inside her apartment on Grand Avenue on Sept. 10. Police had initiated a welfare check at the 32-year-old model’s residence around 10 a.m., but received no response.
About two hours later, authorities were alerted to the discovery of a body at her home. Similar to Mooney’s case, the coroner has listed the cause of Coats’ death as “deferred.”
Earlier in the week, the LAPD said Coats’ death is being “handled as a death investigation.”
“Since both cases remain active investigations, details about either case will not be released,” the LAPD said in its updated statement on Sept. 19. “However, based on the investigations thus far, there is no evidence to suggest that the deaths of Ms. Coats and Ms. Mooney are related to one another.”
A GoFundMe page for Coats has since been created to assist with funeral expenses. The page states, “Nikki’s vibrant personality was one that touched and affected everyone she crossed paths with. She is known as an amazing daughter, friend, and soul. Her untimely passing has left us shocked.”
Maleesa Mooney’s sister, Guyanese pop singer Jourdin Pauline, took to Instagram to express her grief. “My heart is crushed, I can’t believe you won’t be here with us anymore,” she wrote. “We will get justice for you, my sister. I promise you won’t be gone in vain!!!”
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