Introduction to the Case
Magnus Humphrey had known Maleesa Mooney only for a few days, but the Minnesota man had already become “obsessive” about the model, who lived in a downtown L.A. apartment. “That’s my girl, that’s my woman,” he would say about Mooney during the five days they spent together in September 2023, according to her friend, Kiersten Dossett. The two were rarely “more than one foot apart,” she said. Humphrey made comments about marrying Mooney, 31, who joined him at a family barbecue during their weeklong relationship.
The Relationship and Its End
Despite Humphrey’s romantic pronouncements, their union — the exact nature of which remains unclear — lasted less than a week. It ended in horror, prosecutors said. More than two years have passed since Mooney’s body was found bound and gagged inside her refrigerator, but Los Angeles law enforcement officials have revealed few details about the killing or how Mooney knew her alleged murderer. A clearer picture of Mooney’s final days emerged over the last week in a downtown L.A. courtroom, where prosecutors displayed a series of gruesome images and put forth witnesses who suggested that confusion about the nature of her and Humphrey’s brief relationship may have played a role in her killing.
The Investigation and Evidence
A judge ruled Thursday there was enough evidence for Humphrey, 43, to stand trial in the torture and murder of Mooney, who was two months pregnant when her body was found. Humphrey is eligible for the death penalty, but the district attorney’s office has not made a decision about whether to seek capital punishment. Mooney’s body was bound with electrical cords and fabric from a cheetah-print dress, according to images displayed in court and testimony by LAPD forensic analysts and detectives. Humphrey allegedly shoved a piece of clothing three inches into her mouth, the witnesses said. Mooney’s cause of death was determined to be “homicidal violence” likely caused by asphyxiation, according to Brice Hunt, a medical examiner with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
The Trial and Testimonies
Deputy Dist. Atty. Antonella Nistorescu described the killing as “a cold, calculated, premeditated act of violence.” Deputy Public Defender Michael Lambrose denied his client held any responsibility for the killing and argued the evidence in the case was “thin.” No one witnessed the killing and none of the witnesses who observed Humphrey and Mooney’s brief courtship suggested he was aggressive toward her, Lambrose said. Although DNA and video evidence proved Humphrey was at the crime scene and that he’d had sex with Mooney, that didn’t prove he killed her, the public defender argued. Even if Humphrey had committed the killing, Lambrose said, there was no evidence that he planned it or intended to make Mooney suffer.
Background and Motive
Although prosecutors didn’t offer a specific motive, Nistorescu suggested a dispute over money and a misunderstanding may have sparked the killing. Mooney worked as a model and real estate agent, but she was also an escort, according to her friend Dossett’s testimony. Humphrey flew to L.A. to meet his estranged brother in early September, who happened to be a friend of Dossett. Dossett, who was also an escort at the time, said she brought Mooney to meet the two men at a Santa Monica bar, where Mooney and Humphrey hit it off. Dossett said that all four did cocaine together that night and that Humphrey soon began staying at Mooney’s downtown apartment. While Humphrey appeared to be falling for Mooney, Dossett said, she was concerned he was getting territorial over the woman he just met.
Conclusion
The case of Maleesa Mooney’s murder is a tragic and disturbing one, with evidence suggesting a brutal and premeditated act of violence. As the trial proceeds, it will be important to consider all the evidence and testimonies to ensure justice is served. The fact that Humphrey has a history of assault and battery, including a case that bears similarities to the abuse Mooney suffered, raises concerns about his potential for violence. Ultimately, the outcome of the trial will depend on the presentation of evidence and the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Magnus Humphrey and what is he charged with?
A: Magnus Humphrey is a 43-year-old man charged with the torture and murder of Maleesa Mooney, a model found dead in her refrigerator. - Q: What was the nature of Humphrey and Mooney’s relationship?
A: The exact nature of their relationship remains unclear, but they met in September 2023 and spent about five days together, during which Humphrey became obsessive about Mooney. - Q: What evidence has been presented in the case?
A: Evidence includes images of Mooney’s bound and gagged body, testimony from forensic analysts and detectives, and DNA and video evidence placing Humphrey at the crime scene. - Q: What is the potential penalty for Humphrey if convicted?
A: Humphrey is eligible for the death penalty, but the district attorney’s office has not decided whether to seek capital punishment. - Q: What motive has been suggested for the killing?
A: A dispute over money and a misunderstanding may have sparked the killing, according to the prosecution.
