Maleesa’s friends and family are now “fighting for justice,” according to a GoFundMe campaign set up on behalf of her mom Margaret McDonald. “Even though she was taken in a vicious, senseless and heinous way,” the fundraiser’s description read, “we would like to remember Maleesa in all of the glorious ways God divinely made her to be.”
The message continued, “Maleesa was an extremely sweet and generous soul. She saw the good in everyone and lit up every room she entered. Maleesa was just as smart as she was beautiful and had one of the most compassionate and giving hearts you’d ever meet.”
Mooney’s body was discovered two days after fellow model Nichole Coats was also found dead in her downtown L.A. apartment. However, according to NBC News, investigators believe the two cases are unrelated.
Police are asking those with information connected to Maleesa’s murder to contact LAPD detectives Pierce or Marcinek at 213-996-4150, or to submit an anonymous tip online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)