Ali Abulaban, known as ‘JinnKid’ on social media, received two consecutive 25-year sentences for murdering his estranged wife, Ana Abulaban, 28, and her friend Rayburn Cardenas Barron, 29, in San Diego in October 2021. Before heading to prison, he posted a final message on Instagram.
In court, six loved ones of Ana and Rayburn shared their victim impact statements. Ana’s sister expressed her anguish, accusing him of making her sister’s life miserable and treating her as if she didn’t matter.
At the time of the murders, the couple was separated. He admitted to previously hitting his wife and had installed a listening device on their daughter’s iPad. He overheard what he believed was a man’s voice, prompting him to go to Ana’s residence, where he found her with Rayburn and fatally shot both.
Ali Abulaban, a former TikTok star known as “JinnKid,” was recently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the double murder of his estranged wife, Ana Abulaban, and her friend, Rayburn Barron.
See full case details here
👇👇https://t.co/093YWLt9si pic.twitter.com/N14rJIaDJG— True Crime Avenue (@Welovetruecrime) September 6, 2024
During a televised hearing, Abulaban confessed to the killings, stating, “I’m shooting and I can’t stop,” and admitted he had “snapped.” The jury was tasked with determining if the murders were first or second degree. First-degree murder involves premeditation, while second-degree is intentional but not premeditated. Abulaban was ultimately convicted of two counts of first-degree murder.
The TikToker, who had amassed over a million followers for his impressions of movie and video game characters, shared a final Instagram post. It began with a typo, addressing ‘dead friends’ instead of ‘dear friends’ and acknowledged his grave actions and their consequences. He accepted full responsibility, stating, “Two innocent lives were taken, and I am at fault. No excuse is acceptable.”
“Due to my irresponsible behavior and lack of self-control, two innocent lives were taken and I am at fault.”
TikToker Ali Abulaban (JinnKid), who was sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife and her friend, released a final message on Instagram pic.twitter.com/d3tCS5ZksA
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) September 25, 2024
Abulaban expressed deep remorse, saying, “I am eternally devastated by the haunting reality that I have forever hurt the love of my life and fatally injured the man beside her.” He hoped his life sentences would help begin the healing process for the victims’ families.
Judge Jeffrey Fraser, presiding over the sentencing, called Abulaban “a very selfish person” and underscored that he would die in prison, never to be a free man again.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC San Diego reports Ali Abulaban, a former TikTok creator, sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife and her friend in a luxury high-rise apartment, with the judge emphasizing Abulaban’s lack of remorse. (Read more)
- HuffPost: Former TikTok influencer Ali Abulaban sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his estranged wife and her friend, highlighting premeditated and deliberate actions despite claims of intense emotions. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Ali Abulaban?
Ali Abulaban, known as ‘JinnKid,’ is a TikToker convicted of murdering his estranged wife and her friend.
What were the charges against Ali Abulaban?
He was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder.
What sentence did Ali Abulaban receive?
He was sentenced to two consecutive 25-year sentences.
What did Ali Abulaban say in his final Instagram post?
He apologized for his actions, acknowledged his guilt, and expressed regret for the pain he caused.
What did the judge say about Ali Abulaban at sentencing?
Judge Jeffrey Fraser said he is selfish and will die in prison.
