Samuel Bond Haskell IV, commonly known as Sam Haskell Jr., was the 37-year-old son of prominent Hollywood producer and agent Sam Haskell III, founder of Magnolia Hill Productions . Magnolia Hill is known for producing family-friendly television content, including projects with Dolly Parton.
In November 2023, Haskell Jr. was arrested and charged with the brutal murders of his wife, Mei Li Haskell (37), and her parents, Gaoshan Li (72) and Yanxiang Wang (64), in their shared home in Tarzana, California. Authorities allege that Haskell Jr. dismembered the victims’ bodies and disposed of the remains in trash bags, one of which was discovered to contain his wife’s torso . The remains of his in-laws have not been found.
Haskell Jr. had pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder with special circumstances and was facing life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted . He was found dead in his cell at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles on July 12, 2025, two days before his scheduled preliminary hearing. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed his death was by suicide .
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Parentage
Born on April 3, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, Sam Haskell Jr. was the eldest son of Sam Haskell III and Mary Donnelly Haskell. His father, Sam Haskell III, is a distinguished television producer and former executive at the William Morris Agency, known for representing A-list celebrities like Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg, and George Clooney. His mother, Mary Donnelly Haskell, is a former actress and beauty queen, having won the Miss Mississippi title in 1977.
Siblings and Upbringing
Growing up in an affluent and influential family, Haskell Jr. had access to the upper echelons of Hollywood society. He was raised alongside his siblings in a household that valued education, culture, and the arts. Despite the family’s prominence, details about his early education and personal life remain scarce.
Education and Career
Academic Background
Information regarding Haskell Jr.’s formal education is limited. Given his family’s prominence in the entertainment industry, it’s plausible that he attended prestigious schools, though specific institutions and degrees have not been publicly disclosed.
Professional Endeavors
Unlike his father, who carved a successful career in television production, Haskell Jr.’s professional life did not mirror this trajectory. There are no public records of him holding significant positions in the entertainment industry. His career pursuits, if any, were not widely recognized, and he did not achieve notable success in the public sphere.
Personal Life
Marriage to Mei Li Haskell
In 2016, Sam Haskell Jr. married Mei Li Haskell, a 37-year-old woman of Chinese descent. The couple had three children together. Mei Li was the primary breadwinner of the family, working as a software engineer. She and her parents, Gaoshan Li and Yanxiang Wang, lived together in a home in Tarzana, California.
Alleged Affair
Reports indicate that Haskell Jr. was involved in an extramarital affair with a 27-year-old woman. Investigations revealed that he had purchased a one-way ticket to Japan for himself and a round-trip ticket for his mistress in October 2023, suggesting plans to relocate abroad.
The Murders
Discovery of the Crime
On November 6, 2023, Haskell Jr. allegedly murdered and dismembered his wife, Mei Li, and her parents, Gaoshan Li and Yanxiang Wang, in their shared home in Tarzana. The following day, he reportedly hired day laborers to remove heavy black trash bags from the property. One of the laborers opened a bag and discovered human body parts, prompting them to return the bags and alert authorities.
Later that day, surveillance footage captured Haskell Jr. disposing of a large trash bag from his Tesla into a dumpster in Encino. The bag was later found to contain the torso of his wife. Despite extensive searches, the remains of her parents were never recovered.
Arrest and Evidence
Haskell Jr. was arrested on November 8, 2023, after being found driving a rented SUV. Inside the vehicle, police discovered a .357-caliber revolver, a blood-encrusted military-style knife, and passports for himself, his wife, and their children. DNA analysis confirmed that the blood on the knife matched all three victims.
Further investigation revealed that Haskell Jr. had purchased tools such as a saw and machete, which were found to contain blood matching the victims’. Additionally, a receipt for a large amount of cash was discovered, suggesting financial instability.
Legal Proceedings
Charges and Court Hearings
In January 2024, Haskell Jr. pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder with special circumstances. He faced the possibility of life in prison without the chance of parole if convicted. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for July 14, 2025, to determine if there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Legal Representation
Haskell Jr.’s attorney, Joseph A. Weimortz Jr., stated that his client was not afraid of prison but was concerned about the media spectacle surrounding the case. Weimortz suggested that Haskell Jr. was willing to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and a jury trial to shield his children from public scrutiny.
Death and Aftermath
Suicide in Jail
On July 12, 2025, just two days before his scheduled court hearing, Haskell Jr. was found dead in his cell at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed that he died by suicide. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Impact on Victims’ Families
The suicide of Haskell Jr. has denied the victims’ families the opportunity to confront him in court and seek justice. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed that Haskell Jr.’s actions had robbed the families of closure and the chance to share their grief and cherished memories of their loved ones.
Conclusion
Sam Haskell Jr.’s life, marked by privilege and potential, ended in a tragic and violent manner that defied all expectations. His heinous actions and subsequent suicide have left a lasting impact on his family and the community. While the full motive behind the murders may never be known, the case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions.
FAQs
What were the charges against Sam Haskell Jr.?
He was charged with three counts of murder with special circumstances, including the murders of his wife and her parents.
When was Sam Haskell Jr. arrested?
He was arrested on November 8, 2023, following the discovery of his wife’s dismembered torso.
What evidence was found linking him to the murders?
Authorities discovered a blood-encrusted knife, firearms, and other tools with blood matching the victims’.
Did he have any prior criminal history?
There are no public records indicating any prior criminal activity by Haskell Jr.
What was his relationship with his wife and in-laws?
He lived with his wife and her parents in a shared home in Tarzana, California.
What was his motive for the murders?
The exact motive remains unclear, though reports suggest financial difficulties and a possible affair.
How did he die?
Haskell Jr. died by suicide in his jail cell on July 12, 2025.
Is there any ongoing investigation into his death?
Yes, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding his suicide.
