In downtown Los Angeles, a distressing pattern has emerged with the discovery of a second young model found lifeless within her apartment, leaving loved ones in a state of profound grief and yearning for answers. Nichole Coats, affectionately known as Nikki, was only 32 years old when her life was tragically cut short.
Nikki’s family, who made the grim discovery of her lifeless body inside her downtown Los Angeles apartment, are not only heartbroken but also deeply frustrated by the lack of information forthcoming from investigators. Sharon Coats, Nikki’s mother, articulated the overwhelming sorrow of a mother’s heartache, declaring, “This is senseless, and I want answers because my daughter is gone. It’s unjust. I want everyone to find out who did this to her. She shouldn’t be gone.”
Nikki’s aunt, May Stevens, echoed this heartfelt plea, stating, “We need to know what happened.”
The last communication anyone had with Nikki was on Friday, September 8, when she mentioned going on a date. Little did anyone know that this would be her final conversation with her loved ones.
Growing increasingly concerned when Nikki failed to respond to calls and texts throughout the weekend, her father and aunt took the painful step of visiting her apartment complex, Eighth & Grand, on September 10. There, they were confronted with a scene that defied comprehension. Sharon described her daughter’s bed as bloodied, and the sight was beyond recognition. Stevens recalled the horror, stating, “I couldn’t recognize her. I believe it was murder, I really do. One of her legs was up in the air in a kicking position. That’s not somebody who just laid in their bed and died.”
Sharon emphasized that Nikki had no known enemies and was dearly loved by friends and the community. Her heartfelt plea was straightforward but resolute: she wanted answers and for the suspect to be swiftly apprehended before another life could be claimed. “I don’t know who she went out with or what transpired there,” Sharon said. “I have no idea, but I’m going to find out. So if you’re out there, you’re going to get caught. You’re messing with the wrong person.”
The shocking parallels to another case in downtown L.A. sent chills through the community. Maleesa Mooney, a 31-year-old model and real estate agent, was discovered dead in her apartment on the 200 block of South Figueroa Street on September 12, just a few miles from Nikki’s residence.
Maleesa’s family was similarly alarmed when their attempts to reach her went unanswered. Police officers, dispatched for a welfare check, made the grim discovery of Maleesa’s lifeless body inside her apartment. At this juncture, Maleesa’s case is officially under investigation as a murder, while Nikki’s is labeled a “suspicious” death.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has not yet closed the case on Nikki. The cause of her death remains a haunting mystery, and investigators are tirelessly working to uncover the truth.
Both families and their friends are bound by their shared grief and an unwavering quest for justice. Equally unsettling is their concern that a serial killer may be lurking in their midst, selecting victims at random.
May Stevens voiced this disconcerting fear, stating, “I feel that there’s a predator loose.”
In response to this heart-wrenching tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist Nikki’s family with the daunting expenses associated with her funeral.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247. The quest for answers, justice, and safety for all in downtown Los Angeles persists, as loved ones remember and honor the lives of Nichole Coats and Maleesa Mooney. source
