Current:Home > MyFormer TikToker Ali Abulaban Found Guilty in 2021 Murders of His Wife and Her Friend -Profound Wealth Insights
Former TikToker Ali Abulaban Found Guilty in 2021 Murders of His Wife and Her Friend
View
Date:2025-04-13 07:34:38
A verdict has been reached in the case regarding former TikToker Ali Abulaban.
On May 29, a jury in San Diego, Calif., found the social media personality—who went by "JinnKid"— guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the case regarding the killings of his wife Ana Abulaban and her friend Ray Barron.
In a video of the verdict shared by CBS San Diego, the gallery can be heard cheering as the conviction was revealed and Abulaban can be seen breaking down in tears.
While Abulaban initially pleaded not guilty to the charges back in 2021, he admitted to the killings during the trial that began earlier this month, per the outlet. The jury was then tasked with determining whether this constituted as first or second-degree murder (and if his actions were intended and premeditated) or voluntary manslaughter done in a heat of passion.
As seen in footage from the trial shared by Court TV, Abulaban—who'd accused Ana of cheating on him—detailed how he'd been recording his estranged wife to see if she was with another man and how he went to the apartment they used to live in together with a gun, found her and Barron on the couch and shot them in 2021.
"Before I could stop myself, I just f--king snapped," Abulaban said on the stand. "My gun was in my hand, and next thing I'm shooting and I can't stop."
However, during closing arguments, prosecutor Taren Brast argued that Abulaban did not act out of heat of passion.
"There is not of heat passion when you walk in on your separated wife who is not with you on the couch with someone else, fully clothed, not having sex," she said, as seen on Court TV. "And heat of passion does not apply when you walk into an apartment that you had bugged with a keycard you are not supposed to have to a fight that no one else knew was happening but you, and you brought a gun. That is not heat of passion."
Meanwhile, Jodi Green for the defense argued Abulaban—who shared daughter Amira with Ana—did act out of heat of passion and pointed to his "spiraling" mental health and cocaine use.
"Yes, he killed Ana—the woman he loved, the mother of his beautiful daughter Amira—and he killed Ray, a man with whom Ana was having an affair," she said, as shown on Court TV. "And he cannot undo what he has done, but he did not murder them. He is not a murderer."
Abulaban is set to be sentenced on June 28.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (24)
Related
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- 'It's time for him to pay': Families of Texas serial killer's victims welcome execution
- MLB power rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers take scenic route to No. 1 spot before playoffs
- Conyers fire: Shelter-in-place still in effect after chemical fire at pool cleaning plant
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Martin Scorsese and more stars pay tribute to Kris Kristofferson
- Justice Department will launch civil rights review into 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
- 2 ex-officers did not testify at their trial in Tyre Nichols’ death. 1 still could
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- 32 things we learned in NFL Week 4: One NFC team separating from the pack?
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- How to help those affected by Hurricane Helene
- Police in a cartel-dominated Mexican city are pulled off the streets after army takes their guns
- Best Early Prime Day Home Deals: Prices as Low as $5.98 on Milk Frothers, Meat Thermometers & More
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Epic Games sues Google and Samsung over phone settings, accusing them of violating antitrust laws
- Tyler Cameron’s Girlfriend Tate Madden Shares Peek Inside Their Romance
- Cardi B Details Getting Another Round of Her Butt Injections Removed
Recommendation
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Alleging landlord neglect, Omaha renters form unions to fight back
Repair and Prevent Hair Damage With Our Picks From Oribe, Olaplex, & More
Reveal Old Navy’s Mystery Deals & Save 60% – Score $18 Jeans, $4 Tank Tops, $10 Leggings & More
Bodycam footage shows high
Conyers fire: Shelter-in-place still in effect after chemical fire at pool cleaning plant
Trial on new Georgia election certification rules set to begin
Best Early Prime Day Home Deals: Prices as Low as $5.98 on Milk Frothers, Meat Thermometers & More