Samuel Bond Haskell IV Dies by Suicide: What to Know About the Hollywood Heir Who Dismembered His Wife

Samuel Bond Haskell IV, a 37-year-old heir to a Hollywood agent's legacy, has died by suspected suicide in his cell, days before a preliminary hearing in connection with the brutal murders and dismemberment of his wife and in-laws.

Haskell was charged in November 2023 with the killings of his wife, Mei Li Haskell, 37, her mother Yanxiang Wang, 64, and stepfather Gaoshan Li, 72, at their home in the Tarzana neighbourhood of Los Angeles.

Prosecutors allege that the murders took place on 6 November 2023, after which Haskell hired day‑labourers to remove black bin bags from the property, one of which contained body parts.

A torso belonging to Mei was discovered in an Encino dumpster on 7 November 2023, sparking a major criminal investigation.

Remains belonging to the two older victims have never been recovered, but police matched DNA from bloodstains on a gun, knife, and vehicle inside a rented SUV to all three victims.

Awaiting Justice, Instead Comes Silence

Haskell had pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and was facing life without parole if convicted.

His preliminary court appearance was set for 14 July 2025, but on 12 July, he died by suicide in the Twin Towers jail in downtown Los Angeles, as confirmed by Los Angeles County authorities.

DA Condemns 'Escape from Justice'

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said: 'Instead of standing before a judge and answering for the crimes he's been charged with, the defendant managed to escape justice.'

'This is one last cruel act by someone who did the most horrific things for reasons we will never entirely know. A family that has been dealing with unimaginable loss has now been robbed of their chance to face him, hold him accountable for his barbaric actions, and openly share their grief and their cherished memories of their loved ones.'

Painful Loss for All Involved

Haskell was the son of Sam Haskell III, an Emmy-winning television producer and former William Morris talent agent.

His attorney, Joseph Weimortz, told NBC Los Angeles that Haskell was 'not afraid of prison, but was afraid of an even larger media spectacle,' fearing the impact a public trial would have on his three children.

'To avoid more media exposure, he was willing to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. To avoid more media exposure, he was willing to waive his right to a jury trial,' Haskell's attorney continued.

'Ultimately, my client was even willing to take his own life, believing that it would end this terrible chaos.' 'The Haskell family grieves every single life lost in this case.'

Evidence Mapped Out

Investigators recovered a .32-calibre revolver, a saw, a machete, knives, bloody plywood, bed linen and other incriminating items—some found on the couple's sofa, others inside a rented vehicle.

CCTV footage showed Haskell loading black bin bags into an SUV and disposing of a bag in an Encino dumpster. DNA testing connected the blood on the weapon, tools, car seat, and knife to the three victims.

Investigation Now in Limbo

Haskell's death has halted the criminal proceedings. Authorities are now left with forensic evidence and video surveillance, but without his testimony, resolving unanswered questions, including the whereabouts of the two victims' remains, will prove far more difficult.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County jails continue to face criticism, with 26 deaths recorded this year, double the number during the same period last year, and calls for urgent review.

What Happens Next?

The Los Angeles County coroner will conduct a complete autopsy before finalising the cause of death . The DA's office says it still intends to treat the case as unresolved and work to bring some measure of closure to the survivors—his children and in-laws—though civil litigation or investigations may continue.