A man is facing murder charges after a pregnant model was discovered bound and gagged in her refrigerator. Magnus Humphrey, 43, and Maleesa Mooney, 31, had a brief romantic involvement for five days before Maleesa’s tragic death in September 2023. Testimony in a Los Angeles court revealed Humphrey’s obsessive behavior towards Maleesa, with witnesses stating that he rarely left her side and expressed intentions of marrying her.
Maleesa, who was two months pregnant at the time of her death, was found bound with electrical cords and fabric from a cheetah-print dress. The evidence presented in court indicated signs of physical abuse, including hair removal and bruising, suggesting she had been subjected to violence. The medical examiner determined her cause of death to be asphyxiation, describing it as a premeditated act of violence.
Deputy District Attorney Antonella Nistorescu characterized the murder as calculated and premeditated, hinting at a possible motive related to a financial dispute. Despite evidence linking Humphrey to the crime scene and sexual activity with the victim, his defense attorney denied his involvement in the murder. Following a hearing, the judge decided there was sufficient evidence for Humphrey to stand trial for the murder and torture of Maleesa.
While Humphrey could face the death penalty, the district attorney’s office has not yet decided whether to pursue capital punishment for this case.
