A husband, Yoon Lai, 62, has been charged with murder and arson in the death of his wife, Irene Gaw-Lai, after her body was discovered in their burning home in San Marino, California. Prosecutors allege that Lai killed the 56-year-old Gaw-Lai on January 6 and subsequently set their house on fire to conceal the crime. During his arraignment, Lai pleaded not guilty. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman expressed sorrow over Gaw-Lai’s violent death, emphasizing her status as a respected physician, business leader, and mother. Gaw-Lai, who was a licensed endocrinologist and founder of California Diabetes and Hormone Specialists, Inc., had filed for divorce in August prior to her death. The cause of her death is currently undetermined, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Lai is being held on $2,250,000 bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on August 12. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.
