A shocking discovery in Encino, Los Angeles, California, has led to the arrest of a 35-year-old Tarzana man in connection with the finding of a dismembered human torso.
The case is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The torso, found near a dumpster in Encino, was discovered on Wednesday morning, November 8, 2023, by a homeless individual searching for recyclables.
Authorities believe the remains had been in the dumpster for no more than two days. Following this discovery, detectives were dispatched to a Tarzana, Los Angeles residence where a suspect, Samuel Haskell, was arrested. Haskell is currently held on a $2 million bail.
In a twist that deepened the case, Mei Haskell, 37, wife of Haskell, along with her parents, 64-year-old Yanxiang Wang and 72-year-old Gaoshen Li, were reported missing. All of them lived together in Tarzana.
During a search of the Haskell home, investigators found evidence of a crime, including blood.
The evening before the torso was found, there was an unconfirmed report of a body seen in a black bag near Haskell’s home. While initially unsubstantiated, this report has now become a critical piece of the investigation.
It is believed that the torso could belong to Mei Haskell, though the remains have yet to be positively identified due to the condition of the body. Los Angeles police homicide detectives are actively pursuing all leads to locate Mei Haskell and her parents.
The three children who also resided in the Haskell home have been located and are currently in protective custody.
As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles Police Department urges anyone with information about the case to come forward.
