Son of former Miss Mississippi arrested in gruesome Los Angeles murder case
The son of a former Miss Mississippi has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a bag containing a woman’s torso was found next to a dumpster in southern California, NBC News reports.
Samuel Haskell, 35, was arrested Wednesday after the torso was found next to the dumpster in a commercial area in Encino, Calif. The body was so dismembered it could not be identified, but police there noted Haskell’s wife and in-laws are all missing. All three live with Haskell in Tarzana, Calif., not far from where the torso was discovered.
Three children also live at the Tarzana home, but all three were found safe at school and were put in the care of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. The report did not specify the children’s relationship to Haskell or his three missing relatives.
Haskell is the son of former Miss Mississippi Mary Donnelly and Emmy-winning producer Sam Haskell III. Donnelly was crowned Miss Mississippi in 1977 and has also worked as an actress, appearing in television shows including Days of Our Lives and Saved by the Bell.
Sam Haskell III is a Hollywood producer whose company is behind several Dolly Parton specials, including “Dolly Parton’s Magic Mountain Christmas” and “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” according to TMZ.
Prior to becoming a producer, the elder Haskell was a high-profile agent who represented Kathie Lee Gifford, Ray Romano, George Clooney, Martin Short, Whoopi Goldberg and others, including Prince Edward, King Charles’ younger brother.
Samuel Haskell is being held in a Los Angeles-area jail under $2 million bond.