LOS ANGELES, CA – A man from Los Angeles, whose lineage traces back to a distinguished Hollywood family, has been apprehended following the discovery of a decapitated body in a dumpster by a homeless individual. The man’s wife and in-laws are currently unaccounted for.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) disclosed on Wednesday that they were called to a dumpster in the vicinity of Ventura Boulevard and Rubio Avenue in Encino around 6 a.m., where they discovered a woman’s headless torso.
Investigation of the scene led the police to the Tarzana residence of Sam Haskell IV, 35, the offspring of famed Hollywood producer Sam Haskell III.
Sam Haskell IV, known for his family’s involvement in the production of television Christmas movies, is currently detained in a Los Angeles jail after the gruesome discovery. His wife, three children, and in-laws shared the residence with him. Authorities have confirmed the safety of the children.
However, Mei Haskell, the 37-year-old wife of Sam Haskell IV, and her parents, Goashan Li, 72, and Yanxiang Wang, 64, remain missing. LAPD Detective Efren Gutierrez stated that attempts to reach the three have been unsuccessful.
Although the recovered remains are yet to be identified, authorities suspect they might belong to Mei. Blood and additional evidence were found at the residence.
Sam Haskell IV was arrested at a Canoga Park mall, approximately five hours after the horrific discovery.
Sam Haskell III, the father of the suspect, is a renowned former talent agent who represented celebrities like Dolly Parton and George Clooney. He later became an Emmy-winning producer and was the CEO of the Miss America Organization for a significant period. However, his reputation was tainted following a scandal involving derogatory emails about former winners.
The suspect, Sam Haskell IV, is being held without bail at the Van Nuys jail and is expected to appear in court on Monday.