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Maleesa Mooney and Nichole “Nikki” Coats, two models living in Downtown Los Angeles, were recently found dead within a couple of days of each other, prompting a multitude of questions and public concern.
KTLA reports that Coats’ family uncovered her dead body on Sept. 10. It’s noted that Coats, 32, had previously discussed preparing to go out on a date set for Sept. 8, and that’s the last that her family heard from her.
When her father and one of her aunts, May Stevens, dropped by her apartment a couple of days later, they discovered a gruesome scene in Nichole Coats’ bedroom, according to KTLA.
“I couldn’t recognize her. I believe it was murder, I really do. One of her legs was up in the air in a kicking position. That’s not somebody who just laid in their bed and died.”
A mere two days later, the body of Maleesa Mooney, 31, was discovered in her apartment. Her family hadn’t heard from her since returning from a Miami trip on Sept. 6, and the situation was uncovered during a welfare check.
According to a statement that Mooney’s sister sent The Shade Room, authorities discovered Mooney’s apartment was flooded and had the air conditioning on full-blast. She also alleged that authorities took three days to finish investigating the crime scene.
As a result of the similarities between the two cases, CBS News reports that one of Coats’ aunts, Linda St. Clair, expressed feeling as though they’re “related.”
“That scared us all, because now we feel that it’s related. [Maleesa] wasn’t far from where Nichole lived and they were the same age bracket and she was a model.”
However, it’s important to note that authorities haven’t confirmed whether the cases are linked.
In the wake of the Mooney and Coats cases making headlines, authorities are on the hunt for answers as the women’s families grieve.
Coats’ family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs, which you can access here.
“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.”
As for Mooney, her family recently held a vigil in her honor, per KTLA. Attendees wore pink and released pink balloons in her honor.
Authorities are asking anyone with any information on the deaths to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247.
