Former Mr. Bungle Member Arrested for Alleged Murder of Girlfriend
Alice Herrmann
Above: Theobald Lengyel booking photo
(Courtesy of El Cerrito PD)
Authorities in Santa Cruz County have announced the arrest of 54-year-old Theobald “Theo” Lengyel in connection with the murder of his partner, Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann, 61.
According to a press release by the Capitola Police Department, Herrmann, a resident of Capitola, had last been seen on December 3, 2023. On December 12, the Capitola and El Cerrito Police Departments formally began a missing person investigation. As the investigation progressed, authorities began to suspect that foul play had been involved. This ultimately led to the identification of Lengyel as the primary suspect in the case.
Lengyel was located and arrested on the morning of January 2 in Santa Cruz County. As well, the investigation has reportedly led to the discovery of human remains in a wooded area of Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley. The remains have yet to be positively identified.
Lengyel is known for being a former member of experimental rock band Mr. Bungle, which was formed in 1985 and has undergone numerous lineup changes since. Lengyel played saxophone, clarinet, and keyboards for the band from 1985 to 1996. His contributions appear on all of their major releases from 1986 to 1995.
According to Blabbermouth, Mr. Bungle bassist Trevor Dunn stated during a 2005 interview that the band had come to a unanimous decision to part ways with Lengyel. “He got pissed off and I haven’t heard from him since,” Dunn said at the time.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and has involved the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies such as the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, East Bay Regional Parks Police Department, El Cerrito Police Department, Contra Costa Crime Lab, Cal OES, and the Department of Justice.
Lengyel remains in custody as the Capitola Police Department and Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office move forward with prosecution. It was unclear at press time whether Lengyel had retained a lawyer.
Due to the active investigation, the Capitola Police Department has stated it will not be releasing further details at this time.
