Man Tried To Cover Up Wife's Murder By Setting House On Fire: LA County DA

LOS ANGELES, CA — A man was charged Tuesday with murder and arson in connection with his wife's death at their San Marino home more than seven months ago.

Yoon Lai, 62, pleaded not guilty in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom to one count each of murder involving his 56-year-old wife, Irene Gaw-Lai, and arson of an inhabited structure or property.

Lai was arrested last Thursday by homicide detectives in connection with the Jan. 6 fire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian told Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle that authorities are alleging that Lai beat his wife to death and then tried to cover it up by setting the house on fire.

The prosecutor said the two had experienced "some marital discord," telling the judge that cellular site data and surveillance video suggests that the defendant was at the home shortly before the blaze.

Lai's attorney, James Tedford, countered that the county medical examiner's office has listed the woman's cause of death as "undetermined."

The defense lawyer — who said his client has been in "full cooperation with law enforcement" — said there were electrical issues at the home, saying that "more than likely we have an electrical fire."

He noted that Lai owns a business that he has operated for 30 years and that his three adult daughters and his previous wife were in the downtown Los Angeles courtroom.

The judge ordered Lai to remain behind bars in lieu of $2.25 million bail, rejecting the defense's bid for a lower bail amount.

He is due back in court July 15 for a bail review hearing, with a date scheduled to be set Aug. 12 for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to allow the case against him to proceed to trial. He could face a potential life prison sentence if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Firefighters responded to the house Jan. 6 following reports of a residential fire.

Sheriff's deputies were contacted and interviewed Lai when he arrived at the home with his twin 16-year-old sons.

"He'd taken his sons to baseball practice this morning, and when he returned to the location, from dropping them off at practice, he noticed the residence was on fire," sheriff's Lt. Steven de Jong told NBC 4 that day.

In a statement released shortly after the case was filed, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, "The violent death of Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. She was not only a respected physician and business leader, but a mother who deserved safety and dignity in her home. We will not rest until the person responsible for this senseless tragedy is held fully accountable."

City News Service