Newport Beach Woman's Estranged Husband Charged With Her Murder: DA

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — The estranged husband of a woman whose body was found in the San Bernardino National Forest was formally charged with her murder, authorities announced Sunday.

Gordon Abas Goodarzi, 66, of Rolling Hills, was charged with one count of murder with aggravating circumstances for the death of his estranged wife, Aryan Papoli, 58, of Newport Beach. He is being held in a San Bernardino County jail without bail following his Jan. 23 afternoon arrest in Rolling Hills.

He is due to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the San Bernardino Justice Center, jail records show.

Related: Coroner ID's Body Found In Crestline As Missing Newport Beach Woman

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, a few days after Papoli had gone missing, deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station responded to Highway 138 and Crestline Road in Crestline for a report of a body found approximately 75 feet down a steep embankment.

Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department crews retrieved the woman's body, which was transported to the county coroner’s office. For about two weeks, she remained unidentified and was listed as Jane Doe. Authorities released an artist's sketch of the descendant's face to the public in an effort to identify her.

She was described as between 48 and 60 years old, 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 115 pounds, with bleached blonde hair, brown eyes, no tattoos, and wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue pants, and white and black New Balance shoes.

During the investigation, the Newport Beach Police Department confirmed a missing person’s report was filed for Papoli — the body was confirmed to be Papoli on Dec. 1.

In a December interview with The Los Angeles Times, Papoli’s son Navid Goodarzi, 25, said his mother came to the U.S. from Tehran, Iran, as a young woman.

“My mom was a ray of light, sunshine manifested,” Goodarzi told the news outlet. “She always gave 150% to herself and to everyone.”

He did not comment on his parents’ relationship, but said they had worked together for years and started a clean energy company.

Papoli moved to Newport Beach about six months ago, according to her son.

A tribute to Papoli was posted online, featuring images of the woman and her artwork. According to the site, "Aryan Papoli spread light, love and joy wherever she went. A sister, mother, friend, wife, artist, business woman, philanthropist, environmentalist, and inspiration, Aryan's passion for creative expression was only matched by her care for those she loved."

Authorities have not confirmed how Papoli died, only saying it was a homicide. Where she was killed was not disclosed either.

"From the initial response on a steep mountain embankment to the extensive investigation that followed, this case reflects the joint efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies," San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said. "We are grateful for their coordination throughout the investigation and extend our sincere appreciation to the Newport Beach Police Department and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer for their assistance and collaboration."

Related:

Woman's Body Recovered From San Bernardino Mountains: Coroner Seeks Her Identity