Southern California tech entrepreneur faces murder charges in death of separated wife

Tech Entrepreneur Charged with Estranged Wife’s Murder

A tech entrepreneur from Southern California is facing murder charges related to his estranged wife. Aryan Papoli’s body was discovered last year at the bottom of a 75-foot embankment off a mountain trail, according to police.

Gordon Abbas Goodalzi, 66, has been charged with first-degree murder after the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office made the announcement on Sunday. His wife, 58, who lived in Newport Beach, was identified following the discovery of her remains on November 18, with her identity confirmed later on December 1.

Goodalzi was taken into custody at his home in the upscale neighborhood of Rolling Hills Estates. He is currently being held without bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

The indictment specifies that Papoli was “particularly vulnerable” and alleges that Goodalzi acted with “premeditation, sophistication, or professionalism.” It also hinted at a motive involving potential theft or significant monetary gain.

The couple met three decades ago and founded US Hybrid together—a company focused on zero-emission powertrain components for various vehicles. In 2021, US Hybrid was sold to Ideanomics for $50 million in cash and stock.

Interestingly, Goodalzi is also a research fellow at UCLA, where the university lauds its extensive history with electric vehicles.

The couple, who share two sons, Navid and Milad, purchased their five-bedroom home in Rolling Hills Estates in 2017 and maintained ownership of it up until Papoli’s death.

Aryan had relocated to Newport Beach six months prior to her death, seeking a tranquil environment to pursue her creative interests after retiring from her corporate role, as noted by their son Navid.