Aryan Papoli, 58, was found dead on Nov. 18 at the base of an about 75-foot embankment near Twin Peaks, California. Her death was initially treated as a fall but the coroner later ruled it a homicide. Prosecutors charged her estranged husband, 66-year-old Gordon Abas Goodarzi, on Jan. 23 with felony murder, alleging the killing involved planning and that he 'lied in wait' for financial gain. Goodarzi is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 10; he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Tech CEO Charged With Murder After Estranged Wife Found at Base of 75‑Foot Embankment; Prosecutors Say He 'Lied in Wait'
Aryan Papoli and Gordon Abas Goodarz.Aryan Papoli/Facebook
A California technology executive has been charged with murder after his estranged wife was found dead at the base of a steep embankment in November. Authorities say the death, first believed to be a fall, was later ruled a homicide and that the killing involved planning and alleged premeditation.
Case Details
Fifty-eight-year-old Aryan Papoli was discovered on Nov. 18 several days after she was reported missing. Responding officers located her body at the base of an approximately 75-foot embankment near Twin Peaks, California.
At first, investigators treated Papoli's injuries as consistent with a fall. After further review, however, the coroner's office determined the death was a homicide. Jenny Smith, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, said the change followed the coroner's more detailed assessment.
Initially, they determined her injuries to be consistent with a fall. But after our coroner's office reviewed her circumstances further, they decided that it was a homicide.
Charges And Allegations
On Jan. 23, prosecutors charged 66-year-old Gordon Abas Goodarzi, Papoli's estranged husband, with murder. The criminal complaint filed by San Bernardino investigators alleges the killing displayed "planning, sophistication, or professionalism." An amended complaint reviewed by local media further accuses Goodarzi of "lying in wait" and alleges a motive of financial gain.
Goodarzi faces a felony murder charge and is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 10, according to online court records. No plea had been entered as of those records, and an attorney listed for him had not immediately responded to requests for comment. As with any accused person, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Aryan Papoli.courtesy of Aryan Papoli family
Background
Papoli lived in Newport Beach and was known for her artwork, including paintings and ceramics displayed on her personal website. Her children posted a public tribute on the site, describing her as someone who "spread light, love and joy wherever she went" and remembering her as an artist, businesswoman, philanthropist and environmentalist.
Public professional profiles list Papoli as the chief financial officer of Magmotor Technologies Inc., a company that supplies motors for high-tech industrial markets such as medical devices and robotics. Goodarzi is listed as the company's president and chief executive officer.
Investigation Status And Resources
Investigators continue to treat the case as an active homicide investigation as prosecutors prepare to move forward with charges. The San Bernardino District Attorney's Office is handling the prosecution.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org. Calls are confidential and toll-free in the United States.
Note: This article reports allegations and charges. A court will determine guilt or innocence.
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