Remains Found in Encino Dumpster Identified as Missing Mother Mei Haskell

Husband Charged with Wife’s Murder and Dismemberment

The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner has confirmed that the body parts discovered in a dumpster in Encino last month belong to Mei Haskell, a 37-year-old mother of three who had been reported missing. The identification was made public by the Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday.

Mei Haskell’s husband, Samuel Bond Haskell IV, aged 35, has been accused of killing his wife and dismembering her body. He is currently facing charges related to her murder, as well as the alleged murder of his in-laws, whose bodies have yet to be found.

According to investigators, on November 7, Samuel Haskell hired four day laborers to remove several heavy trash bags from their residence in Tarzana. One of the laborers opened one of the bags and discovered human body parts, prompting them to immediately contact emergency services.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured Samuel Haskell disposing of a large trash bag in a dumpster on Ventura Boulevard in Encino, approximately five miles away from his home. The bag containing a torso was found by a passerby on November 8, who promptly notified the authorities.

Upon returning to the Tarzana residence, the police discovered evidence consistent with a violent crime and dismemberment. Samuel Haskell was arrested at the Topanga Mall later that morning on suspicion of murder.

Samuel Bond Haskell IV appeared in court on December 8, where his arraignment was adjourned to January 12, 2024. During the hearing, his defense attorney requested a continuance. The Los Angeles Times reported that Haskell has recently changed his legal representation, opting for a new attorney.

The murder charges against Samuel Bond Haskell IV include special circumstances related to multiple murders. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.