The man arrested for the torture and murder of an aspiring Los Angeles model made his first court appearance Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty.
Magnus Daniel Humphrey, 41, Hopkins, Minnesota, was arrested on an “unrelated federal warrant” before he was extradited to L.A. and charged in the death of Maleesa Mooney.
Mooney, 31, was found bound and gagged inside the refrigerator of her downtown L.A. apartment on Sept. 12, 2023.
The medical examiner said she had suffered blunt force trauma to her head, torso and arms. Toxicology tests also found cocaine and alcohol in her system.
According to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, Humphrey was staying with Mooney in her apartment at the time of her murder.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Ms. Mooney’s family and loved ones as they cope with this unimaginable loss,” L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement after Humphrey’s initial court appearance. “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.”
Humphrey was arrested on November 3 in Minneapolis. He was on probation for drug offenses at the time.
“We’re full of so many different emotions, but we are very grateful and thankful that he was caught,” Heather Hammock, Mooney’s aunt, told reporters outside the courthouse. “Please continue to pray for our family. We just want justice for my niece.”
Humphrey is due back in court on March 7.