Theobald “Theo” Lengyel, a key member of an experimental band from the 1980s, was apprehended and accused of murdering his girlfriend, Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann, following the discovery of human remains in the nearby woods on Tuesday. Lengyel, known for his contributions on sax, clarinet, and keyboards with Mr. Bungle, had been under suspicion earlier due to his lack of cooperation with law enforcement in Herrmann’s disappearance.
Authorities stated that it became evident in the initial stages of the inquiry that there was “foul play” in the case of Herrmann’s disappearance. The investigation commenced on December 12, even though the last confirmed sighting of her alive occurred ten days prior.
“The investigation led investigators to recover human remains in a wooded area within Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley. The identification of the human remains is pending DNA confirmation from the Contra County Coroner’s Office,” the Capitola Police Department stated.
Authorities did not disclose the details of how or where Herrmann met her demise. Investigators had been focusing on Lengyel, who is also known by the alias “Mylo Stone,” ever since Herrmann’s family filed a report about her disappearance.
Reportedly, in the days following her disappearance, he purportedly covered over 600 miles by driving from his residence in El Cerrito, California, to Portland, Oregon. During his absence, law enforcement discovered Herrmann’s vehicle parked in front of his residence, situated just five miles north of Berkeley. Authorities have not revealed a potential motive for the alleged murder.
Records indicate that Lengyel has been incarcerated at the Santa Cruz County Jail, facing first-degree murder charges without bail. Additionally, he is charged with felonies related to burglary and auto theft.
Lengyel gained prominence as a member of the Bay Area rock band Mr. Bungle, formed by singer Mike Patton, guitarist Trey Spruance, and bassist Trevor Dunn during their high school years in 1985. Despite the band’s continued activity, Lengyel departed in the mid-1990s under strained circumstances.
