Doctor Was Found Dead in Burning Home. Months Later, Police Say Husband's Baseball Alibi Fell Apart

Authorities in California have arrested a man months after his wife was found slain in their home, which had been set on fire.

Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai, 56, was found dead in her burning home on Jan. 6, in an upscale neighborhood in San Marino, Calif., the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

More than six months later, authorities announced the arrest of her husband, 62-year-old Yoon Lai, on murder and arson charges, in connection with her death, per the statement.

Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai, who professionally went by Dr. Irene Gaw Gonzalo, was found with trauma to her upper body, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing officials.

Her body was found in the back of the property, per KTLA.

Dr. Gaw-Lai’s husband initially told police that he had taken their sons to baseball practice and returned to see the house on fire, Sheriff’s Lt. Steven De Jong previously said, per ABC 7. Neighbors told the outlet that the couple was in the midst of a contentious divorce.

Dr. Gaw-Lai was mother to twin sons, the outlet reported. According to online court records of a divorce filing by her in August 2024, her children are minors. KTLA reported she had tried to file for divorce 20 years ago as well.

Now, the DA’s office is accusing Lai of killing his wife and setting the house on fire in an attempt to cover up the crime.

Dr. Gaw-Lai was a beloved physician who founded the California Diabetes and Hormone Specialists, Inc., Pasadena Now reported. Her LinkedIn profile lists her as the founder and CEO of the company.

Online reviews for her practice under her professional name, Dr. Irene Gaw Gonzalo, appear full of praise for the doctor.

A US News ranking from 2021-2023 marked her a “patients’ top choice.”

“She saved my life many times through the past 15 years,” read one Yelp review from 2021.

“She was not only a respected physician and business leader, but a mother who deserved safety and dignity in her own home,” the DA’s office said in their statement. “We will not rest until the person responsible for this senseless tragedy is held fully accountable.”

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Lai has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson of an inhabited structure, per the LA County DA’s office. He’s being held on $2.2 million bail. 

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.