Theobald “Theo” Lengyel, a founding member of the 1980s experimental band Mr. Bungle, was arrested on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, and charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann, 61.
She had been missing since December 3, 2023, leading to a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Lengyel, recognized for his role in playing the saxophone, clarinet, and keyboards in Mr. Bungle, became a central figure in the investigation following her disappearance on December 3, 2023.
The Capitola Police Department, in a recent statement, announced the discovery of human remains in a wooded area of Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, California. The identification of these remains is awaiting DNA confirmation from the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office.
Herrmann was reported missing on December 12, after being last seen alive on December 3. From the onset of the investigation, the police suspected foul play.
Lengyel, 54, who is also known by the alias “Mylo Stone,” had been uncooperative with the authorities and was considered a person of interest.
His activities following Herrmann’s disappearance drew suspicion. He reportedly traveled more than 600 miles from his home in El Cerrito, California, to Portland, Oregon. In his absence, her car was found in front of his home in El Cerrito, a city relatively close to Berkeley.
The police have yet to disclose a potential motive for the murder. Lengyel was taken into custody and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. He faces charges of first-degree murder, with no mention of bail or additional charges in the sources provided.
Mr. Bungle was formed by high school students Mike Patton, Trey Spruance, and Trevor Dunn in 1985. Lengyel contributed significantly to the band until his departure in the mid-1990s. As mentioned by bassist Trevor Dunn, his exit was reportedly due to a lack of growth and alignment with the band’s direction.
His arrest has attracted considerable attention, given his past prominence in the music industry. The investigation into Herrmann’s disappearance and death is ongoing.
