An arrest has been made in connection with a disturbing discovery in Los Angeles. Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department have announced that Samuel Haskell, 35, has been taken into custody and charged with one count of murder. The arrest came after the discovery of a woman’s torso in a dumpster on Wednesday morning.
During a press conference held late Wednesday night, officials revealed that Haskell was apprehended at the Topanga Mall. He is the son of Samuel Haskell III, a TV producer and former high-profile agent with Hollywood’s William Morris talent agency. The suspect’s father’s occupation has added an extra layer of intrigue to the case.
Although authorities believe that the torso found in the dumpster may belong to Haskell’s wife, Mei Haskell, they stated that it is challenging to definitively identify partial remains. LAPD homicide detective Efren Gutierrez explained that suspects who dismember a body often do so to delay identification.
Investigators are also searching for Haskell’s in-laws, Gaoshan Li, 72, and YanXiang Wang, 64, who resided with the suspect and his wife in LA’s Tarzana neighborhood. The couple’s home became the focus of the investigation after someone reported seeing body parts in a bag outside the residence. However, when authorities arrived to investigate, the bags were gone.
Later in the day, a homeless man discovered the woman’s remains in a dumpster at a parking lot in Encino, approximately five miles away from Haskell’s home. Detectives returned to Haskell’s residence and found evidence of a crime, including blood evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking tips and surveillance footage to assist in the case.
Police are also searching for two missing SUVs associated with the incident. These vehicles include a white Volkswagen Tiguan with a California license plate 9ANC890 and a white Nissan Pathfinder with a California license plate 7FRM190. The woman’s parents were last seen in one of these vehicles.
Following the shocking discovery, the couple’s three young sons were removed from their schools and are now staying with relatives. Haskell is currently being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. He is scheduled to appear in Van Nuys Municipal Court on Monday.
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