Shocking Double Mystery in Downtown LA: Are the Deaths of Two Models Connected? What Residents Need to Know!

Downtown Serial Killer?

REAL ESTATE NEWS (Los Angeles, CA) — In a week that has shaken the Downtown Los Angeles community to its core, the untimely and tragic deaths of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney have raised unsettling questions and created a cloud of sorrow and insecurity. Both women, professionals in the modeling world, were found dead in their respective apartments in Downtown LA within days of each other. While investigators tread cautiously, hinting that the cases may be unrelated, families and local residents are left grappling with the disturbing possibilities.

Based on the information provided, authorities have not confirmed that the deaths of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney are connected or that they are the work of a serial killer. The LAPD initially told NBC News that the cases were unrelated but later said they are “investigating all avenues.”

While there are similarities between the two cases—both victims were young female models of similar beauty, lived in downtown Los Angeles, and were found dead within days of each other—the police have not stated that these incidents are the work of a serial killer. Maleesa Mooney’s case is being formally treated as a murder, whereas Nichole Coats’ death is currently classified as “suspicious.”

It’s crucial to rely on information from credible sources and official statements from law enforcement agencies for conclusions about ongoing criminal investigations. Speculation about a serial killer could potentially cause unnecessary panic in the community. That said, the circumstances do underscore the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure safety.

Location Matters: Downtown LA Apartments

Nichole Coats was found in her apartment on South Grand Avenue, part of a block that has seen considerable real estate development in recent years. Featuring a mix of old and new buildings, the area boasts a range of luxury apartments and condos. Known for its high-end dining options, shops, and proximity to LA’s Financial District, this part of Downtown has generally been considered safe, with property values steadily rising over the years. KTLA reports that it was at 8th and Grand apartments.

Maleesa Mooney, a model and real estate agent, was found dead in her apartment in the Bunker Hill area, less than a half mile away from Nichole’s residence. Bunker Hill is another affluent area within Downtown LA, home to skyscrapers, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Grand Park. Apartments here are generally pricey, often fetching multiple millions for condos with scenic views of the city. According to ABC, officers reportedly responded to the 200 block of South Figueroa Street. That could place her death in either Bunker Hill Towers apartments or some other residence in the vicinity.

The Effect on Downtown Real Estate
While it’s too early to gauge the long-term effects on property values or rental rates in the affected neighborhoods, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact of these tragic events on the community’s perception of safety, which could subsequently influence the real estate market. Both sellers and buyers might hesitate when considering these neighborhoods until more is known about the ongoing investigations.

Community Reaction and Safety Measures

Concerned local residents have turned to social media groups such as DTLA UNCENSORED, DTLA, and BLK DTLA to discuss these unsettling events openly. In a community known for its active social scene, residents are urged to be more vigilant, particularly during late-night outings.

Practical Tips for Residents and Tenants

  • Buddy System: Always share your plans and whereabouts with someone trustworthy, especially when going out at night.
  • Security Measures: Ensure your apartment has functional locks and consider installing security cameras.
  • Know Your Neighbors: Building community relationships can be an added layer of safety. An active neighborhood can often be a safer one.
  • Community Watch: Engage with neighborhood social media groups and community boards to keep updated on the latest news and safety tips.
  • An Unresolved Mystery with Lasting Implications

As the investigation into the deaths of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney continues, many questions remain unanswered. The circumstances may be unique, but the reaction is universal: a collective desire for justice and a shared responsibility to protect our community.

For the families of Nichole and Maleesa, the search for answers is a tortuous path, one that leads through a haze of grief, frustration, and an unspeakable sense of loss. And for the Downtown LA community at large, it’s a jolting reminder that vigilance and community cooperation are our most potent weapons against the unknown.

Dual Tragedies in Downtown LA

There were no mentions of witness reports related to the deaths of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney. Both were found in their respective apartments, and family members discovered Nichole Coats. Maleesa Mooney was found when officers were responding to a radio call for a welfare check. Police and authorities are still investigating both cases, but no witness accounts have been specified in the news articles cited.

Given the nature of these tragic events and their potential impact on the Downtown Los Angeles community, it’s crucial for anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigations.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) initially told NBC News on September 18 that the cases of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney were unrelated. However, when contacted by E! News the following day, authorities confirmed they are “investigating all avenues” but have not been able to verify whether the cases are connected.

For Maleesa Mooney, her case is being formally treated as a murder, according to local outlet KTLA. No specific reason was provided as to why her death is considered a homicide, other than officers were responding to a radio call for a welfare check when they discovered her body. Maleesa was a licensed real estate professional, though she was not working as an agent at the time of her death, according to California Department of Real Estate records.

As for Nichole Coats, her death is currently classified as “suspicious.” The LAPD and the L.A. County medical examiner’s department did not release further information and are not currently investigating her death as a homicide. However, her mother, Sharon Coats, found her daughter’s bedroom in a state that led her to believe it was a case of foul play, mentioning blood everywhere. Her aunt, May Stevens, also believed her niece was murdered, describing the body in a way that led her to think it wasn’t a natural death.

So, while Maleesa Mooney’s case is being treated as a murder, Nichole Coats’ case is still categorized as “suspicious,” and both are under active investigation. The LAPD has not yet confirmed if the two cases are related despite their similarities and close timelines.

Nichole Coats was found deceased in her Los Angeles apartment on September 10. Maleesa Mooney was found dead in her residence just 6 blocks away on September 12. Both deaths occurred within a span of two days of each other. The rent ranges from around $2,000 to $11,000 per month in these neighborhoods.

What the Deaths of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney Mean for the Community and Real Estate

As we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, let us honor the memories of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney by recommitting ourselves to community safety and collective vigilance. With the whole community’s involvement, Downtown LA can move closer to becoming the sanctuary we all envision it to be.

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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Artist renderings and stylized impressions are inspired by, not intended to portray, actual subjects of story. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.

August 2023 Downtown L.A. Real Estate Market Report

Trends and Analysis

REAL ESTATE NEWS (Los Angeles, CA) — Understanding the current market trends, including home values, rental rates, and inventory levels, is crucial for making informed decisions. The real estate market is always in flux, subject to a myriad of influences ranging from economic conditions to consumer sentiment. For investors, brokers, and homebuyers alike, understanding these market dynamics can be critical to making informed decisions. Here, we compare and contrast real estate market reports from August 2022 and August 2023 to identify key trends and shifts. This report is based on local real estate professional Multiple Listing Service data from Downtown Los Angeles and nearby lofty neighborhoods TheMLS areas 23, 42 and 1375.


Overview of Key Metrics: August 2022

Sold Properties

  • Number of Sold Properties: 57
  • Sold Price Range: $360,000 – $5,500,000
  • Average Sold Price: $872,473
  • Average Price per Sq. Ft.: $738.17
  • Average Lot Size (LSZ): 86,967.79 Sq. Ft.
  • Average SP%LP (Sold Price as a percentage of List Price): 96.67%

Overview of Key Metrics: August 2023

Sold Properties

  • Number of Sold Properties: 25
  • Sold Price Range: $278,500 – $4,202,500
  • Average Sold Price: $684,692
  • Average Price per Sq. Ft.: $669.83
  • Average Lot Size (LSZ): 60,222.38 Sq. Ft.
  • Average SP%LP (Sold Price as a percentage of List Price): 99.70%

Comparative Analysis

Volume of Transactions

One of the most noticeable differences is the volume of transactions. In August 2022, there were 57 sold listings, whereas in August 2023, the number decreased to 25. This represents a significant contraction in the market’s activity level, which may suggest lower demand or supply constraints.

Price Metrics

  • Average Sold Price: The average sold price decreased from $872,473 in 2022 to $684,692 in 2023. This decrease of approximately 21% suggests that property values may be declining.
  • Price Per Square Foot: The average price per square foot also showed a decrease, from $738.17 in 2022 to $669.83 in 2023, indicative of less competitive pricing.

Lot Size Metrics

The average lot size also showed a decline from 86,967.79 Sq. Ft. in 2022 to 60,222.38 Sq. Ft. in 2023. This reduction could be due to a shift in market preference toward smaller properties or a decrease in available larger lots.

Efficiency of Sales

Interestingly, despite the market appearing to cool off in terms of price and volume, the Sold Price as a percentage of the List Price increased from 96.67% to 99.70%. This may indicate that the properties are being priced more accurately in the current market, resulting in sales that closely match the listing price.

Days on Market (DOM) and % of List Price

In both years, properties sold more quickly as the DOM decreased. The percentage of the list price received on sold properties was higher in almost all categories in 2023 compared to 2022, suggesting that sellers are getting closer to their asking price.


Comparative Analysis of Key Financial Metrics Between August 2022 and August 2023

When comparing the two periods, several financial metrics stand out as particularly indicative of market trends. Below, we examine the total sales dollars, total sales transactions, and average and median sold prices for the real estate market in August 2022 and August 2023.

Total Sales Dollars

August 2022:

  • Total Sales Dollars: $49,731,000

August 2023:

  • Total Sales Dollars: $17,117,302

Comparison: There’s a drastic decrease in the total sales dollars between the two periods. The 2023 figure is approximately 34.4% of the 2022 figure, showing a significant contraction in total sales revenue. This could be indicative of a weakening market, reduced demand, or perhaps fewer high-end property transactions.


Total Sales Transactions

August 2022:

  • Total Sales Transactions: 57

August 2023:

  • Total Sales Transactions: 25

Comparison: The number of total sales transactions also saw a substantial decrease, from 57 in 2022 to 25 in 2023. This represents a decline of about 56%. This drop in sales transactions aligns with the decrease in total sales dollars and could indicate a less active market.


Average Sold Price

August 2022:

  • Average Sold Price: $872,473

August 2023:

  • Average Sold Price: $684,692

Comparison: The average sold price decreased from $872,473 in 2022 to $684,692 in 2023. This represents a decrease of approximately 21.5%. This could be due to a variety of factors, including reduced consumer purchasing power or a shift in the types of properties being sold (e.g., smaller homes, less luxurious features).


Median Sold Price

August 2022:

  • Median Sold Price: $630,000

August 2023:

  • Median Sold Price: $470,000

Comparison: The median sold price dropped from $630,000 in 2022 to $470,000 in 2023, showing a decrease of about 25.4%. The sharper decline in the median price compared to the average price suggests that the middle segment of the market might be experiencing a more significant slowdown.


The data suggests that the real estate market experienced a contraction between August 2022 and August 2023. Notably, there are fewer transactions and lower average and median sales prices in 2023 compared to 2022. These changes may signify a variety of economic and market factors, including potential economic downturns, shifts in buyer behavior, or external variables such as interest rates and regulations.

The comparative analysis reveals a market undergoing shifts. While the volume of transactions and average prices have decreased, the efficiency of sales in terms of SP%LP has improved, suggesting better pricing strategies by sellers. These shifts can have various interpretations, from an economic downturn affecting purchasing power to changes in consumer preferences. For any stakeholder in the real estate market, staying updated with such data and trends is crucial for making informed decisions.

Find out how much your neighbor’s loft sold for. Get a free list of recently sold condos in Downtown Los Angeles. Fill out the online form:

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SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE Affordable | PopularLuxury
Browse by   Building   |   Neighborhood   |   Size   |   Bedrooms   |   Pets   |   Parking

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.