In a shocking turn of events, Sam Haskell IV, the Hollywood heir, appeared shirtless in a Los Angeles courthouse on Friday as he pleaded not guilty to the brutal murder of his wife and her parents. Haskell, 35, is accused of killing Mei Haskell, 37, and her parents, Goashan Li, 72, and Yanxiang Wang, 64, who had moved to the U.S. from China to be near their grandchildren. The accused murderer’s shirt was taken away due to concerns over self-harm, which his lawyer called “wild speculation.” However, Haskell’s defense attorney argued that his client has a pre-existing medical condition that prevents him from wearing an anti-self-harm vest.
The case took a bizarre turn when Haskell was instructed to appear in court naked from the waist up, leading to rampant speculation in the media. Haskell’s lawyer condemned this as dehumanizing and creating an inaccurate image of his client. Haskell himself has not indicated any desire to harm himself, according to his lawyer, but the sheriff’s department still wants him to wear the anti-self-harm vest. Haskell was arrested after a headless woman’s torso was found in a dumpster near their home. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Haskell dropping off a heavy garbage bag on the morning of the discovery.
Prior to his arrest, police had visited Haskell’s home twice. During the first visit, day laborers reported removing suspicious bags that felt heavy and soggy, but no evidence was found. On the second visit, police obtained a search warrant and discovered blood and other evidence inside. Haskell was ultimately arrested at a nearby shopping mall.
Haskell, a member of a Hollywood family known for their TV Christmas movies, now faces three counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole. His parents, Sam Haskell III, a Hollywood producer, and Mary Donnelly Haskell, a beauty queen and actress, are well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
The case has garnered significant attention, with friends of Haskell’s wife holding signs in court that read “We Miss Mei” and “Justice for Mei Today!” The trial promises to be a high-profile and closely watched affair.
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