Search Continues for Missing Tarzana Woman and Parents After Unidentified Woman’s Torso Found in Encino Dumpster

Accident – Death – Obituary News : TARZANA, Calif. (KABC) — The investigation into the gruesome discovery of an unidentified woman’s torso in a dumpster in Encino has taken a chilling turn as authorities continue to search for a missing Tarzana woman and her elderly parents. The community remains in shock as details emerge about the suspect and the unsettling events unfolding in their quiet neighborhood.

Mei Li Haskell, 37, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang, 64, and Gaoshan Li, 71, have vanished without a trace, leaving friends and neighbors concerned for their safety. The unsettling discovery of the torso led investigators to the Haskells’ residence on Coldstream Terrace, where they reside with their three young children and Mei Li’s parents.

Elle Benami, a neighbor and close friend of Mei Li, shared her harrowing encounter with the police after they conducted a search of the Haskells’ home. “Myself and another person who is actually Mei’s friend were the first people that they told, that they did find parts of a body inside the house,” Benami revealed. The authorities have yet to make an official statement regarding the findings from the search.

Mei Li Haskell played a pivotal role in helping Benami maintain her sanity during the challenging stay-at-home orders imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our kids were kind of going crazy, being cooped up at home, having Zoom classes,” Benami explained. “So her boys and my kids would play here in the front yard or backyard.”

Describing Mei Li as a “very sweet, generous person, very social,” Benami reminisced about the memorable parties she hosted. “I’d say some of the best parties I’ve been to,” Benami added. Samuel Haskell, Mei Li’s husband, would make appearances at these gatherings but would often retreat to the corner after a short while. “He would sit in the corner and after about 20 minutes, disappear — go to his room, maybe go on a walk,” Benami recalled.

Samuel Haskell’s connection to the entertainment industry adds another layer to this perplexing case. The 35-year-old is the son of Sam Haskell Sr., the former CEO of the Miss America organization who resigned amid a scandal in 2017. Sam Haskell Sr., once a prominent celebrity agent and founder of Magnolia Hill Productions, has produced various Dolly Parton specials.

As the investigation intensifies and the whereabouts of Mei Li and her parents remain unknown, the Haskells’ three young boys have been placed in the care of the county Department of Children and Family Services. Benami finds herself grappling with the difficult task of explaining the situation to her own children, as it becomes increasingly likely that the Haskell children will not return to their Tarzana home.

“To think that my next-door neighbor — a few feet away from my kids’ room — that something like that transpired there is insane to me,” Benami expressed, reflecting the shock and disbelief reverberating throughout the neighborhood.

Authorities continue to search for answers and urge anyone with information about the disappearance of Mei Li Haskell and her parents to come forward. As the investigation unfolds, the Tarzana community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution in this disturbing case..