Yahoo News TV Producer’s Son Charged With Murder After Headless Torso Discovered In Parking Lot – Update
UPDATE 11/13: Samuel Haskell IV, 35, who was arrested last week after a woman’s torso was discovered in Encino, has been charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of his wife, Mei Li Haskell, and her parents who had been reported missing.
“These shocking and gruesome crimes have sent shockwaves through our community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said Monday. “We stand with the victims’ loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time and will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served. Our Major Crimes Division will work tirelessly to bring about a prosecution that reflects the severity of this devastating crime.”
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An arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 8.
PREVIOUS 11/09: The son of a prominent Hollywood television producer has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with a dismembered female torso discovered several miles from his Los Angeles home, authorities said.
Samuel Haskell Jr. is the son of Sam Haskell Sr., founder and president of Magnolia Hill Productions, which has produced various Dolly Parton specials and two revived specials featuring The Waltons. Before that, Haskell Sr. spent time at William Morris, where he rose to Worldwide Head of Television before retiring.
He resigned as CEO of the Miss America organization after a 2017 email scandal.
The junior Haskell’s wife and in-laws are missing. A dismembered female torso was discovered several miles from his Los Angeles home, authorities said. The unidentified human remains were found near a dumpster in Encino on Wednesday morning.
Video evidence from the scene and vehicle information led police to Haskell Jr.s house in Tarzana. There, officers allegedly discovered evidence of a crime, including blood evidence, police said.
Haskell Jr. was booked on one count of suspicion of murder, police said. He had been tracked to and arrested at the Topanga Mall.
The identification of the human remains is ongoing, police said today.
Samuel Haskell IV and his missing wife, Mei Haskell, have three elementary-aged children. The children are now with family, police said.
Haskell is currently being held on $2 million bail. He is due in court on Nov. 13.
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