Introduction to the Case
Background Information
Samuel Haskell, the Tarzana father accused of murdering and dismembering his wife and in-laws, died by suicide after slashing his arms with a razor in jail, according to an autopsy report made public by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office Tuesday.
Circumstances of Death
Haskell, 37, was found unresponsive in a cell at the Twin Towers jail in downtown LA on July 12 after jail staff saw his cell windows had been covered. He was pronounced dead a short time later by paramedics.
Autopsy Report Findings
Coroner’s Examination
The coroner’s exam noted there were multiple lacerations on his left and right arms just below his elbows, the "antecubital fossa," which cut through both basilic veins, and concluded that Haskell bled to death.
Additional Details
The report said a note was found in Haskell’s left pocket, and there were no alcohol or drugs in his system.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Planned Guilty Plea
At the time of his death, Haskell had indicated he planned to plead guilty to the murders at a hearing scheduled for the same week.
Prosecutor’s Statement
“Instead of standing before a judge and answering for the crimes he’s been charged with, the defendant managed to escape justice,” LA County DA Nathan Hochman said in a statement.
Monitoring and Safety Precautions
The LA County Sheriff’s Department said Haskell was supposed to be under, "moderate monitoring," for risk of self harm, and during previous court appearances was dressed in an anti-suicide smock instead of conventional jail clothing.
Charges and Victims
He was charged in 2023 with the murders of his wife, Mei, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshan Li.
Investigation and Family
Mei Haskell’s partial remains were discovered in a trash bin in Encino in November, 2023, but the remains of Wang and Li were never found. Samuel and Mei Haskell had three children.
Defense and Aftermath
Defense Lawyer’s Statement
In July, Haskell’s defense lawyer said the death by suicide was "not acts of cowardice or lunacy."
Attorney’s Perspective
"Ultimately, my client was even willing to take his own life, believing that it would end this terrible chaos," the attorney said.
Conclusion
The case of Samuel Haskell is a tragic and disturbing example of the extremes of human behavior. The circumstances of his death and the charges he faced serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of the justice system.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against Samuel Haskell?
A: Samuel Haskell was charged with the murders of his wife, Mei, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshan Li.
Q: How did Samuel Haskell die?
A: Samuel Haskell died by suicide after slashing his arms with a razor in jail.
Q: What was the outcome of the autopsy report?
A: The autopsy report concluded that Haskell bled to death due to multiple lacerations on his arms.
Q: Did Samuel Haskell leave a note?
A: Yes, a note was found in Haskell’s left pocket.
Q: What was the reaction of the prosecutor to Haskell’s death?
A: The prosecutor stated that Haskell had managed to escape justice by taking his own life.
