Former TikTok Star Ali Abulaban Sentenced to Life in Prison
ALI ABULABAN—A former TikTok star known by the handle “Jinnkid” was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 50 years, on Friday in San Diego, California. This sentence follows his conviction for the murders of his 28-year-old wife, Ana Abulaban, and her 29-year-old friend, Rayburn Cardenas Barron, which occurred three years ago.
On October 21, 2021, Abulaban, 32, who was already estranged from his wife, went to her San Diego apartment armed with a gun. He had discovered through a listening device he installed on their 5-year-old daughter’s iPad that a man was present in Ana’s home. This device revealed the presence of another person, prompting Abulaban to take lethal action. His confrontation resulted in the tragic deaths of Ana and her friend.
According to ABS-CBN News, Abulaban and Ana first met in Japan in 2014, when he was stationed there as part of his service with the US Air Force. After his discharge, Abulaban returned to the US, while Ana moved back to the Philippines. In 2017, they married and settled in Virginia with their daughter before relocating to California. Their relationship deteriorated due to Abulaban’s controlling and abusive behavior, leading to their eventual separation.
The prosecution highlighted that Abulaban’s abusive conduct played a significant role in the breakdown of their marriage. His actions on the day of the murders were driven by his jealousy and control issues, culminating in this tragic outcome. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his crimes and the impact of his behavior on his family and the victims.
Being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole means that he will spend the rest of his life in prison and will not be eligible for release at any time. He will remain incarcerated for the entirety of his life, with no chance of early release, even if he shows good behavior or if circumstances change.