Minnesota Man Pleads Not Guilty to Murder and Torture of Model in DTLA

A Minnesota man is suspected of the heinous murder of 31-year-old model Maleesa Mooney in her downtown Los Angeles residence. Magnus Daniel Humphrey, 41, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and torture in Los Angeles Superior Court last Thursday, after being arrested on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Police Department discovered Maleesa Mooney bound and gagged inside her refrigerator, shocking and horrifying the local community. The facts of her terrible death have captivated the public’s attention, leaving many questioning the circumstances that led to such a heinous murder.

Authorities said that Magnus Daniel Humphrey was detained at his Minnesota home on an unrelated federal warrant on November 3, 2023. Humphrey, who is on federal probation for narcotics offenses, is now at the heart of a high-profile murder investigation that has sparked national interest.

The connection between Mooney and Humphrey remains unknown, raising doubts about the nature of their relationship and the motivation for the alleged crime.

District Attorney George Gascón decried the crime’s severity, saying, “Ms. Mooney opened her home to this individual with trust, but was repaid with torture and murder.” The callous disregard for Ms. Mooney’s life will not be tolerated. Gascón’s statements echo the thoughts of a community dealing with the senseless loss of a lively young woman whose life was cut short in an inexplicable way.

As the court proceedings progress, the matter gets extensive attention and scrutiny. The search for justice for Maleesa Mooney will likely be a focal point as the court system works through the complexities of this tragic and disturbing case. Meanwhile, friends, family, and community members mourn the loss of a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, dealing with the severe aftermath of her sudden death.