Doctor found dead in house fire was killed by husband: DA
Share this @internewscast.com

Background: News footage of the January house fire in San Marino, Calif. (KTLA). Inset: Dr. Irene Gaw-Gonzalo (Facebook).

A California-based doctor who was found dead in her home after a house fire was murdered by her estranged husband, prosecutors said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office released a statement on Tuesday announcing that 62-year-old Yoon Lai has been charged with the murder of his wife, 56-year-old Dr. Irene Gaw-Gonzalo. This comes months after she was discovered deceased in a house fire. Lai also faces charges of arson in connection with the fire at their San Marino residence, an act allegedly intended to conceal the murder.

While no motive was provided by authorities, the couple was reportedly in the process of divorcing.

Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.

The Los Angeles Times reported that an investigation was initiated by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives shortly after the fire on January 6. Due to the severe burns on Gaw-Gonzalo’s remains, found at the home’s entrance, the medical examiner was unable to determine the exact cause of death. Her manner of death was also listed as undetermined, based on findings by local CBS affiliate KCAL.

When Gaw-Gonzalo’s burned body was found to have evidence of additional physical trauma, detectives investigated her death as a homicide.

“The violent death of Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” stated District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “She was not only a respected physician and business leader, but also a mother who deserved safety and dignity within her own home. We are committed to ensuring that the individual responsible for this senseless act is fully held accountable.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Man Convicted for Stabbing Teen 22 Times and Concealing Her Body

Background: News footage of Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney in court (KCCI). Inset: Michele “Luna”…

Gainesville Resident Accused of Coercing Friend into Assisting Escape from July 2nd Shooting Scene

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Xzavier Taylor Hawkins, 20, was apprehended yesterday…

Judge Cannon Urged to Address Unresolved Mar-a-Lago Matter

Left: Judge Aileen Cannon (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of…

Minnesota Father Beheaded Teen Boy and Disposed of His Body in a Dumpster

A Minnesota man whose 16-year-old son was found dead last month was…

Georgia Teen Faces Adult Charges Months After Delivering Tearful Eulogy; Accused of Killing Mother and Stepfather, Police Report

A 17-year-old teenager from Georgia has been accused of murdering her mother…

Young Boy, 6, Struck by Car While on Scooter and Abandoned in Ditch

A hit and run in Sydney‘s west is being described as a…

Man Arrested for Stalking and Threatening Ex-Wife and Child

Inset: Taylor Warford (23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office). Background: The Jefferson County…

Man Sentenced for Setting Ex on Fire After Dousing Her in Vodka

Inset: Daniel N. Pace (Peoria County Jail). The apartment complex where Pace…

Man Convicted for Fatally Shooting Estranged Wife

Background: News footage captures the aftermath of the incident where Tony Morris…

Husband Murders Wife, Burns House to Destroy Clues: Court Records Reveal

Background: The area of 810 South 23rd Street in Unionville, Missouri (Google…

Officer Sean Houle Survives Shooting and Rescues Drowning Victim

“Are you Mac?” As I looked at the handsome young man walking…

Sheriff: Uncle fatally attacked nephew and abandoned body roadside

Context: The vicinity of County Road 39 and County Road 8 in…