FEARS about a serial killer on the loose have grown in one major US city after two aspiring models were found dead just days apart.
The body of Nichole Coats, 32, was discovered in her Downtown Los Angeles apartment on September 10.
Just two days later, Maleesa Mooney, 31, was found dead in her home three miles away.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Mooney's death as a homicide, local ABC affiliate KABC reported.
Coats' family is still waiting for a coroner's report to be released, but they suspect her death also involved foul play.
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"I'm devastated that it happened to Nicole. This is horrible," her mother Sharon told KABC.
"It's like a dream, that my daughter's going to walk through the door and she's not. She's gone."
Both families stopped hearing from the victims on September 7.
"There is a predator on the loose," Coats' aunt, May Stevens, who discovered the body, said at a press conference covered by The Daily Mail.
FAMILIES IN MOURNING
Coats, who worked from home as a remote sales representative while she pursued her modeling dreams, was found dead by her father last weekend.
After hearing about Mooney's death, Coats' relatives began to suspect there may be a connection between the cases.
The two apartments are located just a five-minute drive from each other.
Mooney's family held a candlelight vigil in her honor on Sunday night.
Many dressed up in pink, the aspiring model's favorite color, as they released balloons into the sky over Downtown Los Angeles.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told The U.S. Sun it's too early to determine if there's a connection between the cases.
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The exact causes of death are still unknown.
POLICE ASK FOR TIPS
Investigators have asked members of the public to come forward with any information regarding Mooney's case.
They can share this information by calling (213) 996-4150 Monday through Friday or (877) 527-3247 on weekends and non-business hours.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or submit tips at this link.
A spokesperson for the department told The U.S. Sun a death investigation is underway regarding Coats' case.
Mooney's sister Jourdin Pauline, a musician with more than 1million followers on Instagram, posted a tribute on the platform.
"Never in a million years did I think I’d have to make this post and get justice for my one & only sister," she said.
"My heart is crushed I can’t believe you won’t be here with us anymore.
"You were so loving and so kind to everyone."
Pauline also praised Mooney's cooking skills and promised to carry on her memory.
Coats' loved ones organized a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her funeral expenses.
It quickly surpassed its goal of $10,000 by more than $5,000.
"Nikki’s vibrant personality was one that touched and affected everyone she crossed paths with," said John Clark, who organized the campaign.
"She is known as an amazing daughter, friend and soul. Her untimely passing has left us shocked."
