Los Angeles Police Department’s homicide detectives have confirmed the arrest of Samuel Haskell, 35, in relation to the discovery of a woman’s torso found in an Encino dumpster. The arrest occurred at Topanga Mall, with Haskell now facing a murder charge.
Officials believe the torso to be that of Haskell’s wife, Mei Haskell, though they acknowledge difficulties in positive identification due to the nature of the remains. LAPD Homicide Detective Efren Guttierez noted that dismemberment is often a tactic to hinder identification in murder cases.
The investigation has extended to searching for Haskell’s in-laws, Gaoshan Li, 72, and YanXiang Wang, 64, residing at their Tarzana home in the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace.
The sequence of events began Tuesday evening when police received a report of body parts in a bag near the Tarzana residence. However, upon arrival, the authorities found the bags missing. The following morning, a homeless individual found the remains in a dumpster, located approximately five miles from the Coldstream Terrace home.
Further investigations led detectives back to Haskell’s residence, where they established a connection to the discovered torso.
Authorities suspect the murder occurred within the past few days and continue to gather evidence, seeking tips and reviewing surveillance footage to advance the investigation.
Currently, Haskell is detained at the Valley Jail in Van Nuys, held on a $2 million bail.
