Ali Abulaban: TikTok star set to go on trial for allegedly killing wife and her lover after spying on them using daughter's iPad
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: A trial date has finally been set for Ali Abulaban, known as JinnKid on TikTok, who stands accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife and her lover after allegedly spying on them through their daughter's iPad.
The tragic incident occurred on October 21, 2021, when Ali Abulaban, 29, allegedly shot his wife, Ana Abulaban, 28, and her friend Rayburn Cadenas Barron, 29, at Ana's apartment in San Diego. Abulaban could face the death penalty if convicted and prosecutors choose to pursue capital punishment. He remains in custody without bail.
Ali Abulaban kills wife Ana Abulaban after spying on her
According to prosecutors, Ali, who has a history of domestic violence, secretly installed a listening device on his five-year-old daughter's tablet. After overhearing his wife and another man conversing, Ali purportedly went to Ana's apartment and fatally shot them both.
Deputy District Attorney Taren Brast revealed that Ali confessed to the murders to both his mother and the police. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with additional allegations related to the use of a handgun and committing multiple murders.
Although Ali pleaded not guilty, he remains in custody on bail. A readiness hearing is scheduled in San Diego's downtown Superior Court.
Ali Abulaban admitted to his daughter that he 'hurt mommy'
Ana and Rayburn were found dead on the 35th floor of the Spire San Diego luxury apartment complex. Prosecutors described Ali as "jealous," alleging that he suspected Ana of infidelity with Rayburn, despite their ongoing separation.
According to testimonies, Ana had requested Ali to move out on October 18, after which he surreptitiously returned to her apartment, vandalizing it and installing the listening app on their daughter's iPad. Prosecutors believe Ali obtained a copy of Ana's apartment key to gain access to the premises.
Security footage reportedly captured Ali entering the apartment and fatally shooting Rayburn before turning the gun on Ana. He later called his mother to confess before fleeing the scene. "The defendant then fled the building, went to pick up his daughter from school, still had the loaded gun in his car," Brast claimed. "[He] told his daughter that he 'hurt mommy' and then he was soon apprehended by the police," reported Daily Mail.
Ali was subsequently arrested by the police, with his daughter still in the car.
Ali Abulaban and Ana Abulaban's troubled relationship
Witness testimonies revealed instances of alleged domestic violence between Ali and Ana, with police reportedly called to their apartment on nine occasions since July 2021. Despite Ana's alleged plans to file a restraining order against Ali, it was never pursued.
Before the tragic incident, Ali had amassed a significant following on social media platforms, including over 940,000 followers on TikTok and approximately 170,000 subscribers on YouTube. His content often featured comedy skits and impersonations.
In response to Ana's untimely death, her grieving family initiated a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses, with the latest update indicating Ana's body would be repatriated to the Philippines. "Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing a daughter, a sister, a mother in such a violent manner is unfathomable," the fundraiser said.
