Inheritance Dispute Erupts in Grisly LA Dismemberment Case: Was Mei Li a Silent Financier?
Los Angeles, CA – The horrific 2023 case of Mei Li, a Chinese woman brutally murdered and dismembered by her husband, Sam Haskell IV, has taken a startling new turn. As Haskell’s suicide in prison closed the criminal investigation, a contentious inheritance battle has surfaced, revealing allegations that Li Mei was the primary financial provider for her family and a previously unknown business venture. This breaking news development adds another layer of tragedy to a case that already captivated and horrified the nation.
From ‘Rich Second Generation’ to Financial Dependence: A Shocking Revelation
For years, Sam Haskell IV was portrayed as a “rich second generation” heir, benefiting from the wealth of his father, a prominent Hollywood agent. However, court documents now suggest a drastically different reality. Alex Dorian, claiming to be Li Mei’s business partner, is suing the estate, alleging she borrowed nearly $500,000 to purchase the family home, fund renovations, and invest in a joint business. This directly contradicts initial assumptions that the property was a gift from Haskell’s father.
The revelation paints a heartbreaking picture of Li Mei, who, according to reports, shouldered the financial burden of supporting her husband, raising three children, and maintaining the household. She wasn’t simply a wife and mother; she was the family’s primary breadwinner, a fact tragically obscured by her husband’s privileged background. “Li Mei was really wronged in this family relationship,” sources close to the case have stated. This detail is crucial for understanding the full scope of the injustice she endured.
Business Partnership and a $902,000 Claim
Dorian’s lawsuit details a business partnership established in 2017, focused on sports card collection, investment, and cryptocurrency trading, with total assets reaching approximately $902,000. He claims Li Mei secured loans based on verbal agreements, promising repayment upon the sale of the property. The house, sold in June 2025 for $2.16 million (a $500,000 discount due to its notoriety, yet still $460,000 above the 2020 purchase price), is now at the center of this financial dispute.
Estate Administrator Challenges Dorian’s Claims: A Pattern of Litigation?
Jodi Montgomery, the estate administrator – notably, the former guardian of Britney Spears – is vigorously contesting Dorian’s claims. Montgomery’s legal team alleges Dorian has a “history of fabricating facts and fabricating debts,” and is demanding documentary evidence to support his allegations. They point to a lack of receipts, contracts, or payment records related to the alleged business partnership and loans. Furthermore, they highlight Dorian’s involvement in multiple previous lawsuits alleging similar breaches of contract and fraud, suggesting a pattern of seeking financial gain through litigation. “Plaintiff’s claim that he lost all text messages, emails and social media records…is unbelievable,” the motion states.
A Timeline of Tragedy: Remembering the Case
The case first gained national attention in November 2023 when a homeless man discovered human remains in a trash can in Encino, Los Angeles. The remains were identified as Li Mei, her mother Wang Yanxiang (64), and her stepfather Li Gaoshan (71). Sam Haskell IV was quickly identified as the prime suspect. Police found a saber, revolver, and bloodstains in his possession, and DNA evidence confirmed his involvement in the horrific crime. Haskell planned to flee to Japan with his lover, prosecutors said.
Haskell initially intended to plead guilty but died by suicide in July 2025 while incarcerated, cutting veins in both arms. A suicide note referencing his three sons was discovered. The case sent shockwaves through Hollywood, given Haskell’s family connections. The initial investigation was hampered by a temporary worker’s initial discovery and subsequent return of the evidence bag, highlighting potential early missteps in the police response.
Protecting the Future: Focus on Li Mei’s Children
As the legal battles unfold, Montgomery’s team emphasizes their commitment to protecting the interests of Li Mei’s three young sons, who have been relocated away from California by relatives. The estate’s priority remains ensuring their financial security and well-being in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy. This case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden financial dynamics within families and the devastating consequences of domestic violence. The ongoing legal proceedings will undoubtedly shed further light on the complexities of this heartbreaking story, and the importance of thorough due diligence in estate settlements.
The outcome of Dorian’s claim remains uncertain, but the revelations surrounding Li Mei’s financial contributions have fundamentally altered the narrative of this case, prompting a re-evaluation of the power dynamics and hidden burdens she carried. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and in-depth coverage of legal and social justice issues.
