California Man Arrested Months After Wife’s Death Initially Ruled Accidental Fall Down 75-Foot Embankment, Authorities Say
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — A California man has been arrested on a murder charge months after his wife was found dead at the bottom of a steep embankment in a case that was initially believed to be an accidental fall.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Gordon Abas Goodarzi, 66, was taken into custody Friday in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Aryan Papoli, 58.
Body Found at Bottom of Steep Embankment
The investigation began shortly before noon on November 18, when deputies discovered Papoli’s body at the bottom of a 75-foot embankment in San Bernardino County.
At the time, authorities believed her death may have been the result of an accidental fall. An autopsy initially determined Papoli died from injuries consistent with a fall, according to investigators.
It took nearly two weeks for authorities to positively identify the woman.
Missing Person Report Sparks New Leads
After Papoli was identified, deputies learned she had been reported missing on November 22 from Newport Beach, located approximately 75 miles from where her body was found.
Following her identification, investigators launched what the sheriff’s department described as an “extensive and persistent investigation.” That work ultimately led detectives to identify Goodarzi as a suspect in the case.
Subsequent findings by the medical examiner resulted in Papoli’s death being reclassified as a homicide, authorities said.
Murder Charge Filed, Arrest Made
Deputies did not publicly disclose a motive or detail the specific events leading up to Papoli’s death. However, based on the evolving evidence, investigators sought and obtained an arrest warrant.
Goodarzi was arrested at his home in Rolling Hills, California, on Friday. He is currently being held at the San Bernardino Central Detention Center without bond, jail records show.
Son Remembers Victim as “A Ray of Light”
Papoli’s son, Navid Goodarzi, previously spoke to the Los Angeles Times, sharing memories of his mother and her life before coming to the United States.
According to her son, Papoli fled Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and later built a life defined by optimism and creativity.
“My mom was a ray of light, sunshine manifested,” he told the newspaper. “She always gave 150% to herself and to everyone.”
He declined to discuss the details of his mother’s death, citing the ongoing investigation.
“It’s hard when I see my mom’s name and it’s just a sketch of this person who’s not her,” he said. “She was so full of inspiration and optimism at this moment of her life.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not released additional information about what led them to determine the death was a homicide or how Goodarzi allegedly played a role. Investigators say the case remains active as it moves through the court system.
Goodarzi is expected to make an initial court appearance in the coming weeks.
As investigators continue to uncover details surrounding Aryan Papoli’s death, the case underscores how early assumptions in death investigations can change as new evidence emerges. For continued updates on major criminal cases, court proceedings, and public safety news from California and across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.