The estranged husband of a Newport Beach woman whose body was found down an embankment near Highway 138 in Crestline in November has been arrested on suspicion of her murder, authorities said Saturday, Jan. 24.

Gordon Abas Goodarzi, 66, of Rolling Hills, was arrested Friday, Jan. 23, in connection with the death of Aryan Papoli, 58, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

Papoli was found around 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 18, near Highway 138 and Crestline Road, the sheriff’s department said. Deputies located her body about 75 feet down a steep embankment.

An autopsy conducted the following day initially noted injuries consistent with a fall, authorities said. After a complete review of the autopsy results, the coroner later determined the cause of death to be homicide.

Following Papoli’s identification and a continued investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, detectives identified Goodarzi — her estranged husband — as a suspect, authorities said.

Detectives contacted Goodarzi at his residence Friday and later arrested him. He was transported to the Central Detention Center, where he was being held without bail.

Authorities have not publicly specified how or why they believe Goodarzi killed Papoli.

Related Articles