A Tarzana man was found dead in jail just two days before he was expected to enter a guilty plea regarding the 2023 murder of his wife and in-laws.
Samuel Bond Haskell, 37, faced serious charges after the gruesome killing and dismemberment of his wife, Mei Li Haskell, 37, along with her mother, Yanxiang Wang, 64, and her stepfather, Gaoshan Li, 71.
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman conveyed the grim news to Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench that Haskell had committed suicide at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility early Saturday morning.
Just two days later, on Monday, Haskell was slated to appear in court for what was anticipated to be a guilty plea based on prior communications with his attorney.
Crucial details of the case emerged after Haskell was charged in November 2023, with authorities alleging that the three victims were murdered and dismembered around November 6, 2023.
Due to his untimely demise, the case against Haskell was dismissed on Monday at the request of the defense.
Haskell had been awaiting a preliminary hearing that would determine if there was enough evidence for his case to proceed to trial.
His attorney, Joseph A. Weimortz Jr., described his client as someone who was not afraid of prison, but who feared the media scrutiny surrounding the case.
Haskell’s apprehension extended beyond himself; he was deeply concerned about the impact of the media attention on his children.
Weimortz stated, “He was afraid that every photo taken, every word written, would be a permanent scar his children would have to live with.”
Additionally, Weimortz noted that Haskell was willing to waive his rights in order to avoid prolonged media exposure.
The attorney went further to state, “My client’s acts were not acts of cowardice or lunacy. Ultimately, my client was even willing to take his own life, believing that it would end this terrible chaos.”
A somber note was added from Haskell’s family, urging privacy while they mourn the multiple lives lost in this case.
In a contrasting statement, District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed outrage at what was perceived as Haskell avoiding justice.
He stated, “Instead of standing before a judge and answering for the crimes he’s been charged with, the defendant managed to escape justice.”
Hochman emphasized the anguish of a family that has dealt with unimaginable loss, now deprived of the opportunity to see Haskell held accountable.
The events leading up to the killings included Haskell allegedly hiring day-laborers on November 7, 2023, to remove heavy black trash bags from their home.
One of the workers discovered human body parts in one of the bags, prompting immediate action.
Following a police investigation, it was revealed that Haskell was videotaped disposing of a large garbage bag in a trash bin just the day after the murders.
This trash bin ultimately led to the discovery of a beheaded torso, later confirmed to be that of Mei Li Haskell.
Further investigations revealed additional evidence, including blood-stained items discovered in the family garage, which matched the DNA profiles of all three victims.
Additionally, police recovered a blood-encrusted military-style knife and a loaded .357 revolver with blood stains that matched both Mei Li and Gaoshan Li.
During the inquiry, it was uncovered that Haskell had been having an extramarital affair with a 27-year-old woman.
Haskell had purchased a one-way ticket to Japan on October 21, 2023, and a round-trip ticket for his girlfriend, showing intentions to leave the country.
After the murders, he had rented an Airbnb in Tarzana to stay with his children.
Following his arrest, the authorities placed the children in the care of family members due to the horrific nature of the crimes and their father’s ongoing legal troubles.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to Haskell’s death in custody by expressing condolences, stating, “Any loss of life is tragic, especially those who are within our custody and care.”
They pledged to conduct thorough investigations to ensure policy and procedural compliance in regard to in-custody deaths, maintaining a constitutional level of care for all inmates.
As this tragic situation unfolds, the families involved continue to mourn amidst the chaos, grappling with huge losses and unanswered questions.
image source from：patch
