Newport Beach, California – A man has been charged with the murder of his estranged wife, whose body was discovered in the San Bernardino Mountains last November. Gordon Abas Goodarzi, 66, was apprehended last week at his home in Rolling Hills following a thorough investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Aryan Papoli, 58, was reported missing on November 22, 2025. Her body was found on November 18, approximately 75 feet down an embankment near Highway 138, but it was not identified until December 1. The county coroner determined her injuries were consistent with a fall, leaving friends and family to remember her as an exuberant individual who always radiated positivity.
Authorities arrested Goodarzi after what they described as an exhaustive investigation, although specific details regarding his alleged involvement and the motive remain undisclosed. Following his arrest, Goodarzi was booked at Central Detention Center and charged with murder. Prosecutors noted that the circumstances surrounding the case could suggest “great violence,” a motive involving significant financial gain, or the vulnerability of Papoli at the time of her death.
The couple had recently been navigating a turbulent divorce. Papoli filed for separation from Goodarzi after nearly three decades of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. They shared two sons and had embraced their Iranian-American heritage while owning multiple properties, including land in Crestline, where Papoli’s body was found.
In a tribute from her family, Papoli was described as a person who “spread light, love and joy” in the lives of those around her. They remember her for her artistic expression, philanthropic efforts, and dedication to family, as well as for the profound impact she had on her community.
Despite their estrangement, Goodarzi attended Papoli’s memorial service in December, a detail that has raised questions among acquaintances. As the legal proceedings advance, her sons have requested privacy as they navigate their grief and the complexities of their mother’s untimely passing. Goodarzi is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday.