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Slain Model Maleesa Mooney Autopsy Cited as Particularly Unique by L.A. Police Detective

Officials say how she was found indicates a particularly violent encounter just before her death.

Law enforcement officers in Los Angeles are struggling to find answers in their investigation of the death of a model whose autopsy revealed no conclusive cause of death,  local station KTLA 5 reports.

On Sept. 12, police officers found Maleesa Mooney, 31, beaten, gagged, and wedged inside a refrigerator in her apartment in Los Angeles while they were conducting a welfare check.

According to the autopsy, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as “homicidal violence” but could not pinpoint what injury killed Mooney.

“The blunt force traumatic injuries observed at autopsy are generally not considered life-threatening on their own,” the autopsy reads.“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.”

“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 continued.

The report also revealed that Mooney “suffered blunt force trauma to her head, torso, and arms with multiple lacerations and contusions.” She also had alcohol and cocaine in her system, officials said.

Los Angeles County Medical Examiners listed Mooney’s death as being caused by “homicidal violence.” But David Marcinek, who is leading the LAPD’s investigation said that in all his years in law enforcement, he’s never been involved in a case where the coroner listed that particular term as the cause of death.

Body of Model Maleesa Mooney Discovered in Refrigerator

Body of Model Maleesa Mooney Discovered in Refrigerator

Jourdine Pauline, Mooney’s sister, said she was two months pregnant at the time and rejected the notion that she was under any substances (The autopsy concluded that Mooney was not pregnant).

Pauline also stated that she believed that her sister's death came after attempting to fight off her assailant.

"She was in a struggle, both her ankles were broken ... her hands, her legs. It's very gruesome details. She was definitely in a struggle,” Pauline said. “It wasn't something that quickly happened.

In the aftermath of Mooney’s tragic death, the family has been traumatized by the graphic details of the night in question.

"All I know is it was a tortious act. They (the suspect) did multiple things to her body, you know? The police can't even pinpoint what exactly took her. Why would someone do this to her, you know? It's just really messed up,” Pauline continued. “We just need to find the people who would do this. What did my sister do to deserve that?"

As the investigation continues, no potential suspects have been identified by the LAPD.

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