The search continues for a missing Tarzana woman and her parents after an unidentified woman’s torso was found in a dumpster in Encino. Mei Li Haskell, her mother, and father remain missing, while Haskell’s husband, Samuel Haskell, has been arrested. The investigation has led police to the Haskells’ home. ABC7 Los Angeles reported
TARZANA, Calif. (KABC) — Search Continues for Missing Tarzana Woman and Parents Following Discovery of Torso
On the day after an unidentified woman’s torso was found in a dumpster in Encino, the search continued on Thursday for Mei Li Haskell, 37, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang, 64, and Gaoshan Li, 71, who remain missing. Mei Li Haskell’s husband, Samuel Haskell, 35, was arrested after the discovery of the torso and is currently being held on $2 million bail.
The investigation led authorities to the home of the Haskells located on Coldstream Terrace in Tarzana, where they reside with their three children and Mei Li Haskell’s parents.
Elle Benami, a neighbor of the Haskell family, revealed that she and another person were the first to be informed by the police about the discovery of body parts inside the Haskells’ residence. However, no official announcement has been made regarding the specific findings during the search.
According to Elle Benami, Mei Li Haskell played a significant role in helping her maintain sanity during the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Benami mentioned that their children would often play together in the front yard or backyard, providing a sense of normalcy during these challenging times.
Benami described Mei Li Haskell as a kind and generous person who loved hosting parties. She reminisced about the enjoyable gatherings they had attended together, emphasizing that Mei Li Haskell had a talent for throwing memorable parties.
Regarding Samuel Haskell, the neighbor noted that he would initially appear friendly at parties but soon retreat into the background, often withdrawing to his room or going for walks.
Son of Former Celebrity Agent Identified as Suspect Linked to Torso DiscoverySamuel Haskell, 35, was arrested following the discovery of an unidentified woman’s torso near a dumpster in Encino. Although the investigators have not confirmed the identity of the victim, they believe it may be his missing wife.
Eyewitness News learned that Samuel Haskell is the son of Sam Haskell Sr., who resigned as CEO of the Miss America organization due to an email scandal in 2017. Sam Haskell Sr. has a background as a celebrity agent and is the founder of Magnolia Hill Productions, known for producing various Dolly Parton specials.
Following the disappearance of Mei Li Haskell and her parents, and Samuel Haskell’s arrest, the three young boys of the Haskell family were placed under the care of the county Department of Children and Family Services.
Elle Benami expressed the difficulty of explaining the situation to her own children, as it is unlikely that the Haskell children will return to their Tarzana home. She found it unimaginable that such a disturbing incident could have occurred just feet away from her own children’s room.
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