To the outside world, Sam Haskell seemed to be living the dream.
A beautiful wife, three kids, and a $2.6 million home in a quiet Los Angeles suburb.
He grew up around Hollywood royalty — his father, Samuel Haskell III, was a powerful talent agent who worked with big names like Dolly Parton and George Clooney.
But beneath the shiny surface was a far more disturbing story — one that ended in murder, a suicide, and unanswered questions that have shocked an entire community.
A Hidden Obsession and a Double Life
Sam, 37, was seen as a family man and a struggling filmmaker.
But friends and neighbors say he had a bizarre obsession with weapons, violent movies, and extramarital affairs.
He reportedly kept bows and arrows at home despite his wife Mei Li begging him not to — especially with three young sons around.
Behind the scenes, Sam was living a disturbing double life, including a secret relationship with a 27-year-old woman and plans to flee the country.
That twisted path would ultimately lead to one of the most gruesome murder cases in recent LA history.
The Day Everything Changed
In November 2023, a dismembered female torso was found in a dumpster near the family’s Tarzana home.
It was soon confirmed to be Mei Li, who had already been reported missing along with her parents, Yanxiang Wang (64) and Gaoshen Li (71). Their remains have never been found.
Sam was arrested and charged with three counts of murder.
Prosecutors said he’d paid day laborers $500 to help dispose of large trash bags.
But when they discovered what was inside, they turned back, returned the bags — and called the police.
What Investigators Found
Authorities uncovered horrifying evidence.
Surveillance video showed Sam dumping a garbage bag into a bin in Encino, and a search of his home turned up blood-soaked bedding, saws, machetes, and a military knife with DNA from Mei Li and her parents.
In a rental SUV, police found a loaded revolver and thousands in cash.
His phone revealed messages with his girlfriend, plans for a one-way ticket to Japan, and instructions that his kids would be moving in with his parents.
A Hollywood Name, But Far From Stardom
Despite being born into Hollywood privilege, Sam never quite made it.
His career as a filmmaker was lackluster, producing mostly low-budget slasher films with oversexualized portrayals of Asian women.
Coworkers from past sets said he often flirted with women and hid his marriage and children.
Even his famous father, in a 2009 memoir, admitted their relationship was strained.
He wrote about clashing with his “headstrong” son and shared concerns that Sam didn’t care what others thought of him.
A Final Escape From Justice
On July 13, 2025, just two days before he was due in court, Sam was found dead in his jail cell at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
Authorities say he died by suicide and left a note saying he would miss his “three best friends” — a reference to his sons.
He was reportedly planning to change his plea from not guilty to guilty on all charges.
His attorney said Sam wasn’t afraid of prison but feared the media spectacle that would impact his children forever.
Neighbors, Friends, and a Community Left Reeling
The news sent shockwaves through Sam and Mei’s community.
Neighbors who had once seen the family at birthday parties were horrified.
“Sam was able to kill himself and escape justice,” said neighbor Elle Benami. “But at least he admitted what he did.
We’re all praying for those boys.”
Mei’s parents had moved in during 2020 to help with the kids.
They were from China and became part of the household.
Friends said Mei once considered divorce but feared losing her children.
The DA Speaks Out
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called Sam’s death a “cruel final act.” In a public statement, he said:
“Instead of standing before a judge and answering for the crimes he’s been charged with, the defendant managed to escape justice.
A family that has already suffered unimaginable loss has now been robbed of their chance to face him in court.”
A Devastating Legacy
Sam’s attorney described him as a father trying to protect his children from shame — not a coward.
But to the community and the family of Mei Li and her parents, the pain runs deep.
The Haskell family has asked for privacy to grieve.
But the haunting nature of the crime — and the lives it shattered — continues to cast a long, dark shadow over a once picture-perfect LA home.