Who was charged with murder in connection with Aryan Papoli's death?

Gordon Abas Goodarzi, a 68-year-old tech millionaire and estranged husband of Aryan Papoli, was charged with first-degree murder.

How was Aryan Papoli found and what was the cause of death?

Aryan Papoli was found deceased at the bottom of a 75-foot embankment. The coroner determined her death was a homicide.

What were the alleged motives and circumstances of the crime?

Charging documents suggest the crime was financially motivated and carried out with planning, sophistication, and professionalism.

Home / Crime and Justice / Tech Millionaire Charged in Estranged Wife's Murder

Tech Millionaire Charged in Estranged Wife's Murder

26 Jan

•

Summary

Husband charged with murder after wife found at bottom of embankment.
Death ruled homicide; crime was financially motivated and calculated.
Victim was a tech entrepreneur pursuing retirement and art.

Tech Millionaire Charged in Estranged Wife's Murder

Gordon Abas Goodarzi, 68, of Newport Beach, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Aryan Papoli. Papoli, 58, was found deceased at the bottom of a 75-foot embankment in Crestline on November 18, 2025. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest on Saturday, following an extensive investigation.

The coroner's review determined Papoli's death to be a homicide, with charging documents alleging the crime was financially motivated and executed with significant planning and sophistication. Goodarzi has been booked without bail into the San Bernardino Central Detention Center.

Papoli, a socialite and entrepreneur, had recently moved to Newport Beach for a creative retirement, pursuing interests in sculpting, painting, dance, and photography. She was also involved with several art and garden organizations. Her son described her as a "ray of light" and a "supermom."