On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Theobald “Theo” Lengyel, a founding member of the 80s experimental band, Mr. Bungle, was taken into custody in connection with the murder of his 61-year-old girlfriend, Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann.
Herrmann had been unaccounted for since December 3, 2023, which initiated an extensive search by local law enforcement.
Known for his contributions to Mr. Bungle as a saxophonist, clarinetist, and keyboardist, Lengyel, became a key figure in the investigation following Herrmann’s disappearance.
Recently, the Capitola Police Department publicized the discovery of human remains in a secluded area of Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, California. The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office is currently working to determine the identity of the remains through DNA confirmation.
Herrmann’s disappearance was officially reported on December 12, nine days after she was last seen alive. From the early stages of the investigation, the authorities suspected a criminal act.
Lengyel, aged 54 and also known as “Mylo Stone,” had been uncooperative with investigators and was identified as a person of interest.
Following Herrmann’s disappearance, Lengyel’s actions raised suspicion. He is reported to have traveled over 600 miles from his El Cerrito, California residence to Portland, Oregon. In his absence, Herrmann’s car was discovered outside his El Cerrito home, a city near Berkeley.
The authorities have not yet revealed a potential motive behind the murder. Lengyel was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail, California, on charges of first-degree murder. As of now, there has been no mention of bail or additional charges from the sources provided.
Mr. Bungle was initiated by high school students Mike Patton, Trey Spruance, and Trevor Dunn in 1985. Lengyel played a significant role in the band until his departure in the mid-1990s, reportedly due to his lack of progress and disagreement with the band’s direction, as stated by bassist Trevor Dunn.
Lengyel’s arrest has garnered significant attention, considering his previous status in the music industry. The investigation into Herrmann’s disappearance and death continues.
