A fresh inquiry has been launched into the 2023 case involving Samuel Haskell IV, son of the former Hollywood agent Samuel Haskell Sr. This development follows accusations against Haskell IV, who allegedly murdered his wife and in-laws.

In recent reports, several parties have come forward claiming substantial sums from the estate, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, in what are described as “money claims.”

These financial disputes highlight the family’s financial dynamics, with reports indicating that Haskell’s wife was the primary breadwinner. She shouldered most household expenses, including a hefty $7,000 monthly mortgage, while Haskell was purportedly unemployed or working sporadically.

Details from the investigation reveal that Mei Li Haskell, the victim, juggled multiple jobs to support not only her husband and their three children but also her parents, who resided with them.

The case, however, never reached the courtroom. Tragically, Samuel Haskell IV took his own life in a jail cell in July 2025, just days before his preliminary hearing was due to commence.

The case’s origins trace back to a peculiar incident involving day laborers. These workers were allegedly hired by Haskell IV to dispose of three bags from his garage, which he described as containing rocks. However, the laborers later reported that the bags felt “soft and soggy” and were surprisingly heavy, each weighing about 50 pounds.

A block away from Haskell’s house, the workers opened up the bags and said they saw body parts. The men returned the bag to Haskell and returned his money. Haskell played it off, telling the workers that what they actually saw were Halloween props. The men drove immediately to the police.

The men try to report what they have seen to the police, but they are turned away. The men went to the Highway Patrol station first but were told to go to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The LAPD Topanga Station tells the men to go back outside and call 911 from the courtyard. In the meantime, the police receive another call about human remains. A homeless man, digging through the dumpster looking for recyclables, finds human remains.

Inside the dumpster, the LAPD found a torso in a bag. The investigation provided detectives with enough information to lead them to Samuel Haskell IV’s residence.

Additional Guest

Elle Benami – Friend and Neighbor of Mei & Samuel Haskell; IG: @ellebenami

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Mei Haskell/Instagram]