(L.A.) Irene Gaw-Lai, 56, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2025-00290

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 56-year-old Asian female that occurred at her residence in San Marino.

The coroner’s office identified the woman as Irene Gaw-Lai.

Manner of Death : Undetermined

Cause of Death : Undetermined After Autopsy and Toxicology Studies

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Homicide by Unspecified Means

RIP IRENE GAW-LAI (February 14, 1968 – January 6, 2025)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 10:15 a.m.

“Undetermined” means the medical examiner was unable to conclude as to whether this was a natural, accidental, suicidal or homicidal death.

The decedent was a physician who was found lifeless inside her home following a fire. Her name on her medical license is Irene Tan Gaw Gonzalo. She obtained her degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, in 1992. This suggests she was of Chinese Filipino descent.

UPDATE: On July 3, her estranged husband Kevin Yoon Lai, 62, was arrested on suspicion of murder. He is being held at Men’s Central Jail in downtown L.A. without bail.

LATEST UPDATE: In February 2026, the Department of Medical Examiner changed their ruling from Undetermined to Homicide.