DA Gascón Charges Minnesota Man Who Tortured, Killed Model Maleesa Mooney in LA

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón Feb. 22 announced charges against a Minnesota man, Magnus Daniel Humphrey, in the torture and killing of Maleesa Mooney while staying at her downtown Los Angeles apartment last year.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Ms. Mooney’s family and loved ones as they cope with this unimaginable loss,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Ms. Mooney opened her home to this individual with trust, but was repaid with torture and murder. The heinous disregard for Ms. Mooney’s life will not go unpunished. Justice is being sought, and he will be held accountable.”

Magnus Daniel Humphrey (DOB 05/12/1982) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is charged in case with one count of murder and one count of torture.

It is alleged that the murder of Ms. Mooney was committed by Magnus Humphrey and that the murder was intentional and involved the infliction of torture with the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2 (a)(18).

Humphrey pleaded not guilty at arraignment Feb. 22. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for March 7 in Dept. 50 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Humphrey was arrested on November 3, 2023 in Minneapolis and was extradited to Los Angeles. Humphrey is being held on no bail.

If convicted as charged, Humphrey will face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.