Dr. Irene Gaw-Gonzalo, a 56-year-old endocrinologist, was found dead in her San Marino, California, home on January 6, 2025, following a fire that investigators determined was intentionally set. Her husband, Yoon “Kevin” Lai, 62, faces charges of murder and arson, pleading not guilty on January 28, 2026, and remains in custody without bail ahead of a February 9 hearing. Prosecutors allege he killed her for financial motives amid their contentious divorce and set the fire to conceal the crime.
Case Background
Gaw-Gonzalo had filed for divorce twice—first in 2003 shortly after their marriage, then again in August 2024 after revoking their prenup in September 2024. She sought to add her name to joint properties, suspecting Lai of an affair, while relatives testified she wanted out permanently. The couple shared teenage twin sons; her sister now serves as their guardian.​
Incident Details
Lai dropped the sons at baseball practice around 7:06 a.m., claiming he’d head to work, but a Ring camera captured a similar car returning near 8:19 a.m. Indoor cameras covering the den—where her body was found—were manually disabled shortly after. Neighbor Connie Morris saw smoke at 9:46 a.m., spotted Lai “peering out” bewildered, and noted he falsely claimed Gaw-Gonzalo was out picking up the boys despite her car in the driveway.
Evidence and Injuries
The victim suffered burns over 60% of her body, plus blunt force trauma including a broken nose, fractured eye socket, lost tooth, facial fractures, and widespread bruises. A bloody frying pan and metal baseball bat were found at the scene; arson was confined to the den with multiple ignition points. Her death was ruled undetermined, prompting homicide charges.
Legal Proceedings
Lai’s team calls the allegations false, vowing a court defense. Special circumstances on the murder charge could elevate penalties if convicted. No trial date is set yet.
