A disturbing case of alleged domestic violence is finally heading to trial. Two years ago, Los Angeles model Maleesa Mooney was found dead. Her body was stuffed into a refrigerator. Now, police have charged a man she knew for just five days.
Magnus Humphrey, 43, faces charges of murder and torture. He’s a convicted felon from Minnesota.
The victim, Mooney, was a 31-year-old part-time model and real estate agent. She was also reportedly working as an escort. Prosecutors claim Humphrey brutally killed her in September 2023. They had met just five days earlier at a bar in Santa Monica.
A Five-Day Fatal Courtship
The relationship was shockingly short. “For a relationship that was basically in its infancy, to see this level of violence, it’s very, very disturbing,” said attorney and activist Gerald Griggs.
Evidence from a pretrial hearing paints a chilling picture. Guests at a barbecue attended by both Mooney and Humphrey recalled the man’s immediate possessiveness. Humphrey reportedly claimed, “That’s my woman,” as they discussed marriage.
Authorities believe the motive was escalating obsession. Mooney allegedly requested payment for her time, consistent with her escort work. Prosecutors suggest the “dilemma began” when she realized Humphrey wasn’t the “rich guy” she thought and was trying to consume all her time.
The Gruesome Discovery
Mooney was last seen on September 6, 2023. Surveillance footage showed her entering her luxury apartment. The next day, she texted Humphrey about kitchen items. Later that day, the same footage showed Humphrey using Mooney’s key fob to access the apartment. He reportedly left soon after with a black plastic trash bag. He then flew back to Minnesota.
Mooney’s sister requested a welfare check on September 10. Authorities found nothing. On September 12, after Mooney’s mother called building management, police finally entered the fifth-floor home.
The scene was horrific. Blood had pooled underneath the refrigerator. Inside, officers made the gruesome discovery. Mooney’s body was found bound and gagged with electric cords and her own clothing.
The coroner’s report was stark. Mooney suffered a fractured rib, multiple lacerations, and contusions. She was also reportedly two months pregnant. Prosecutors believe she suffered for a long time before her death. The official cause was listed as homicidal violence.
Trial Looms
Humphrey was initially arrested in Minnesota on unrelated charges. He was later extradited to Los Angeles. On October 16, 2025, a Los Angeles judge ruled enough evidence existed for him to face trial.
Humphrey’s attorney, Michael Lambrose, has called the prosecution’s evidence “thin.” He told the Los Angeles Times there were no witnesses to the alleged killing. Friends of the victim also testified they never saw aggression from Humphrey during the brief relationship.
Humphrey has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is being held without bail. Prosecutors have not ruled out seeking the death penalty.
Mooney’s sister, Jourdin Pauline, spoke outside the courthouse. “I just want justice for my sister,” she pleaded. “She was honestly a really great person.”