San Diego, California – Closing arguments are set for Friday in the trial of Ali Abulaban, a man accused of killing his wife and another man inside their East Village apartment. The defendant, known as JinnKid online, could face life in prison without parole for the murders of Ana Abulaban, 28, and Rayburn Cardenas Barron, 29, that occurred on October 21, 2021.
Prosecutors claim that Abulaban committed the murders out of anger because his wife wanted to end their marriage. According to Deputy District Attorney Taren Brast, Ana had clearly expressed her desire to separate from Abulaban after experiencing domestic violence and learning of his extramarital affair.
Despite Abulaban’s testimony that he did not engage in intercourse with the other woman, Ana had informed others of his infidelity. On the day of the shooting, Abulaban sought to catch Ana with another man but was shocked when he witnessed her with Barron through an app on his daughter’s iPad. Overwhelmed by betrayal, he claimed to have opened fire uncontrollably.
During his defense, Abulaban detailed his struggles with mental health, childhood trauma, and substance abuse, which his legal team argued influenced his behavior leading up to the incident. He expressed how his marriage deteriorated due to a partying lifestyle fueled by drugs, particularly influenced by Ana’s friends, including Barron.
Testimony revealed that Abulaban’s mental health issues and drug addiction exacerbated the marital problems, leading to a volatile situation in their home. Despite acknowledging instances of physical and emotional abuse towards Ana, he discouraged her from involving the authorities or seeking protection.
Following the shooting, Abulaban contacted his family and a friend to confess to the murders, sending them a photo of the victims’ bodies. He then alerted emergency services of the incident before picking up his daughter from school, confessing to her about what had occurred.
The case has shed light on the complexities of intimate partner violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles within relationships, prompting discussions on the need for early intervention and support for individuals facing similar challenges. As the trial concludes with closing arguments, the jury will now deliberate on Ali Abulaban’s fate in one of the most tragic and troubling cases to unfold in the East Village of San Diego.