TARZANA, Calif. – A man from Tarzana pleaded not guilty on Friday to murder charges related to the disappearance of his wife and her parents. Samuel Bond Haskell, 35, is accused of killing his wife Mei Haskell, 37, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang, 64, and Gaoshan Li, 72. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Haskell with multiple murders, including a special circumstance allegation. If convicted, Haskell could face life in prison without parole.
The victims, who resided with Haskell and the couple’s three young children in Tarzana, were last seen in early November. The children have since been placed under the care of family members, according to the Los Angeles police. Following the discovery of human remains in a trash bin in Encino, Haskell was arrested on November 8. Authorities have positively identified the dismembered body parts as Mei Haskell’s remains. The cause of death has been listed as “deferred” by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
It is alleged that Haskell hired four day laborers to remove heavy black plastic trash bags from the home. One of the workers called 911 after opening one of the bags and seeing body parts, as stated by the District Attorney’s Office. Haskell has been incarcerated without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 16. At that time, a hearing will be set to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
District Attorney George Gascón expressed solidarity with the loved ones of the victims and pledged to ensure justice is served. The Major Crimes Division is committed to pursuing a prosecution that reflects the gravity of this horrific crime.