Husband killed wife, then torched home to ‘cover up the crime,’ CA officials say
A husband has been charged in his wife’s death after her body was found inside their burning home, California prosecutors say.
Yoon Lai, 62, was charged with murder and arson in connection with the death of Irene Gaw-Lai, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a July 8 news release.
An attorney for Lai did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on July 9.
During his arrangement, Lai pleaded not guilty, prosecutors said.
“The violent death of Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in the release. “She was not only a respected physician and business leader, but a mother who deserved safety and dignity in her own home.”
Lai is accused of killing 56-year-old Gaw-Lai on Jan. 6, prosecutors said.
In an attempt to “cover up the crime,” Lai then set their San Marino home ablaze, prosecutors said.
Lai told detectives he found his home on fire upon returning home from taking his sons to baseball practice, Sheriff’s Lt. Steven De Jong told KABC.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Gaw-Lai’s cause and manner of death undetermined.
Gaw-Lai, a licensed endocrinologist, was the founder of California Diabetes and Hormone Specialists, Inc. in Arcadia, Pasadena Now reported.
She had 16-year-old twin sons, the outlet reported.
Gaw-Lai filed for divorce in August, according to court records obtained by the Los Angles Times.
Months later, Lai was arrested in his wife’s death, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
If convicted on all charges, Lai faces life in prison, prosecutors said.
Lai, who is being held on $2,250,000 bail, is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 12, prosecutors said.
San Marino is about a 10-mile drive northeast from Los Angeles.
This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Husband killed wife, then torched home to ‘cover up the crime,’ CA officials say."
