Theobald Lengyel receives a 25 to life sentence for murdering Alyx Hermann, with a chilling recording revealing the crime.
Theobald Lengyel played saxophone in Mr. Bungle. Years later, he killed Alyx Hermann at 54 years old. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for murder; the crime occurred in California in December 2023. Alyx was 61.
A phone recording shocked everyone at the trial. Alyx recorded her final moments, contradicting Lengyel’s claim of unplanned manslaughter. The recording proved him wrong.
Alyx went canoeing on December 3, 2023. She missed work on December 5 and her flight to Hawaii on December 12. Missing the flight made her family report her missing.
Police found her phone at her house. CCTV revealed Lengyel was there on December 4, after purchasing alcohol beforehand. He had a history of alcohol problems.
Alyx’s watch stopped recording her heartbeat on December 4 at 11:44 p.m. Police considered Lengyel a suspect, but he refused to talk to them.
Alyx’s car was located at his house on December 5, with her blood inside. Lengyel, after shaving his head, stayed with his brother, who noticed a bite mark.
Her body was found in Tilden Regional Park, buried on January 1. She had been strangled and animals had removed body parts. Lengyel went to trial in August.
The disturbing recording was discovered midway through the trial, leading to a week-long pause. It was unclear if Alyx deliberately made the recording.
The recording began with Lengyel playing piano before becoming angry at Alyx for not wanting to play pool. He repeatedly threatened to kill her, mentioning mashing her brain.
Lengyel asked how she wanted to die, suggesting being choked to death. Alyx begged for her life, but Lengyel responded it was too late.
Lengyel punched her, breaking her nose. The jury heard her gasping for air as she begged him to stop choking her, which lasted for five horrific minutes. Lengyel said she didn’t play nice, and Alyx said it wasn’t her fault.
After killing Alyx, Lengyel sent texts from her phone to make it seem like she was still alive. He stripped her body and buried her.
Lengyel said she used to do what he wanted. He received a sentence of 25 years to life and won’t be eligible for parole for 24 years.
Mr. Bungle was formed in California in the 80s, with the members in high school. They gained popularity, released albums, and their music was well-received.
Lengyel played saxophone, clarinet, and keyboard in the band. He left after two albums due to artistic differences.
He transitioned to a software engineer. He met Alyx (Alice Herrmann) in 2017 after divorcing his first wife. Alyx also worked in tech, and she was a musician who enjoyed canoeing. She had a daughter.
Over six years, Alyx witnessed Lengyel’s temper and alcohol problems. He was sometimes violent towards women. His ex-wife and sister testified against him.
Alyx was gentle and wanted to move to Hawaii to care for her father. She wished to spend more time with her brothers and canoe more often.