Body of Model Maleesa Mooney Discovered in Refrigerator
New information has emerged about the death of model Maleesa Mooney.
Authorities established that Mooney, who was reportedly two months pregnant at the time of her death, was discovered "wedged" inside her refrigerator, per an autopsy report released by local outlet KTLA on Oct. 27.
The 31-year-old was captured on video surveillance at her apartment on Sep. 6, per PEOPLE. Following a welfare check request from Mooney’s mother, law enforcement entered the residence on Sept. 12, where she was found dead, prompting a homicide inquiry.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner later confirmed her cause of death as "homicidal violence," indicating that "other significant conditions" played a role in her tragic death. She was found gagged with a piece of clothing in her mouth and visible injuries to her head, torso and arms.
“Her wrists were bound together, and her ankles were bound together, and these bindings were tied to each other behind her back with miscellaneous electronic cords and clothing items,” the autopsy report reads.
"The blunt force traumatic injuries observed at autopsy are generally not considered life-threatening on their own. However, based on the circumstances of how Ms. Mooney was found, these injuries suggest she was likely involved in [a] violent physical altercation prior to her death."
Toxicology testing found cocaine and alcohol in Mooney's system, but it remains "uncertain" whether they contributed to her death given her injuries, according to the report.
"Based on the history, circumstances, and autopsy findings, as currently known, Ms. Mooney's death was likely the result of, or at least related to, the action of another individual(s)," the report reads.
At press time, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Daily News reported in the days leading up to the discovery of Mooney's body that another model, Nichole Coats, was found dead in her downtown Los Angeles apartment. Authorities established that the two incidents are unrelated, determining that Coats' cause of death was an accidental overdose.