In a significant development following a prolonged investigation, the estranged husband of a Newport Beach woman, whose remains were discovered at the base of a steep ravine in a mountain town of San Bernardino County, California, has been taken into custody.

Authorities have charged 66-year-old Gordon Abas Goodarzi from Rolling Hills Estates with murder in connection to the death of his wife and business partner, Aryan Papoli, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

Papoli, aged 58, was discovered deceased on November 18, positioned approximately 75 feet below Highway 138 near Crestline Road in the Crestline mountain community. Initial evaluations suggested her injuries were consistent with a fall, but the San Bernardino County Coroner later classified her death as a homicide.

While the sheriff’s department has not released specific details regarding how investigators tied Goodarzi to Papoli’s death, nor have they revealed any potential motive, they emphasized that a “thorough and relentless investigation” resulted in identifying him as the suspect. Goodarzi is currently detained without the possibility of bail at the Central Detention Center.

Aryan Papoli’s husband was arrested on suspicion of murder in her death. (Aryan Papoli)

Court records show Papoli filed for divorce just five months before her death, citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to documents obtained by The California Post. The June 12, 2025 filing sought spousal support and the division of millions of dollars in shared assets.

More than $4.5 million in property was at stake, the outlet reported, including the Rolling Hills Estates home where Goodarzi was arrested, a residence in Chino Hills, industrial property in Massachusetts, vacant land in Southern California and another property in Crestline, the same town where Papoli’s body was later found.

Papoli and Goodarzi were married for 28 years. Goodarzi, an engineer and tech executive, sold his clean energy company, US Hybrid, for $50 million in 2021, according to The California Post. Papoli’s divorce filing requested Goodarzi pay her legal fees, while his response asked the court to have each party cover their own costs.

Aryan Papoli is shown in an undated photo. Her estranged husband was charged with murder after Papoli’s body was found at the bottom of a cliff, authorities said. (Aryan Papoli)

The divorce proceedings were terminated Dec. 23 due to Papoli’s death, according to her attorney.

Charging documents filed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office allege Papoli was “particularly vulnerable” and that the killing involved “planning, sophistication, and professionalism,” according to the filing.

Goodarzi’s arraignment, which was scheduled for Tuesday morning, was continued to Thursday, the DA’s office confirmed.

Papoli was not immediately identified when her body was discovered. Days later, Newport Beach police confirmed a missing person report had been filed for her, and authorities formally identified her remains Dec. 1.

Aryan Papoli is shown in an undated photo. Authorities said her body was found at the bottom of a cliff, and her estranged husband has been charged in her death. (Aryan Papoli)

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times last month, Papoli’s son, Navid Goodarzi, said his mother immigrated to the United States from Iran as a young woman and worked to build a life centered on creativity, service and entrepreneurship.

“My mom was a ray of light, sunshine manifested,” he said. “She always gave 150% to herself and to everyone.”

He declined to comment on his parents’ relationship but said they worked together for years and founded a clean energy company.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.