LOS ANGELES, CA – Residents of a downtown Los Angeles high-rise apartment complex have been left in shock following a surge in police activity this week. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), they discovered the body of Maleesa Mooney during a welfare check that took place on Tuesday afternoon. Although the coroner’s office has yet to disclose the cause of death, the LAPD is treating the case as a homicide.
Mooney worked as a licensed real estate agent with Beverly Hills-based company Nest Seekers. She was also a published model and art dealer, according to her Instagram profile. Her sudden death has left her family and friends devastated. Jourdin Pauline, Mooney’s older sister, expressed her grief on social media, stating that her sister’s death has left her heartbroken and in disbelief.
Residents of the apartment complex are now living in fear. Grace Sheng, a neighbor, admitted to carrying pepper spray for protection despite its potential illegality. She expressed her sympathy for Mooney’s family and her growing concern for her own safety.
The LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide detectives, while declining to comment on camera, have stated their belief that Mooney was murdered within her apartment. In the wake of this tragedy, Mooney’s family held a memorial on Sunday, requesting attendees to wear pink in her honor. Jourdin Pauline concluded her social media post with a promise to seek justice for her sister.
According to the coroner’s website, Mooney would have celebrated her 32nd birthday next month.