Sam Haskell IV, the Hollywood heir who has been charged with three counts of murder in Los Angeles, is suspected of killing his wife, Mei Haskell, and her parents, Goashan Li and Yanxiang Wang. The case took a shocking turn when a headless torso, believed to be Mei Haskell's, was found in a dumpster near the family's home. A childhood friend of Sam Haskell described his erratic and paranoid behavior at a Los Angeles diner weeks before the discovery of the body. The friend, who asked to remain anonymous, mentioned that Haskell appeared to be protective of his children and seemed very paranoid during their encounter. She also added that his behavior in his TikTok videos mirrored his real-life demeanor, describing him as socially awkward and strange. The friend revealed that Haskell had previously exhibited concerning behavior, including showing up uninvited to her house and brandishing a machete during an altercation with her and her brother. Although the incident was not reported to the police at the time, Haskell's parents intervened and made an agreement for him to cut off contact with the friend. The friend praised Haskell's parents as “incredible” and emphasized that they were not responsible for their son's actions.

Sam Haskell was arrested at a mall in Canoga Park on Thursday, following the discovery of the torso. Surveillance videos from the day before depicted a thin man struggling to dispose of a large object in a dumpster in a crowded parking lot. In court, Haskell appeared sullen and scowled at the judge as he was informed of the charges against him. Friends of Mei Haskell attended the hearing, holding signs that demanded justice for her. Haskell is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on December 8.

The investigation into the murders has revealed that Mei Haskell's parents, who emigrated from China, are also missing. The couple lived with Sam and Mei Haskell in their Tarzana home. The whereabouts of Goashan Li and Yanxiang Wang remain unknown. The LAPD discovered blood and other evidence in the Haskells' home during a search. The couple's three children have been placed in the care of family members.

Sam Haskell IV comes from a prominent Hollywood family. His father, Sam Haskell III, is a movie producer and former talent agent who represented stars such as George Clooney and Dolly Parton. Haskell III and his wife, Mary Donnelly Haskell, are known for their involvement in the Miss America Organization and for producing Christmas movies. The younger Haskell gained attention through his Instagram account, where he frequently posted about his luxurious lifestyle. He used the hashtag #richkids to showcase his Hollywood connections.

The discovery of the headless torso has sent shockwaves through the community, with District Attorney George Gascon pledging to ensure justice is served for the victims. The investigation into the murders is ongoing, and police are analyzing evidence and reviewing surveillance footage, including the video of the suspect disposing of a large object in the dumpster. The motive for the killings has not yet been determined.