San Diego, California – A TikTok star, Ali Abulaban, faces the possibility of spending his life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. The trial was marked by emotional testimonies and evidence presented over the course of several weeks.
The families of the victims, Ana Abulaban and Ray Barron, continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones, with Jordana Barron, Ray’s sister, expressing the devastation felt by the family. In an exclusive interview with NBC 7, Jordana shared the emotional journey her family has endured throughout the trial and since its conclusion.
The tragic events unfolded on October 21, 2021, when Ana and Ray were discovered dead in an apartment at The Spire in downtown San Diego. The news of their deaths came as a shock to their families, sparking immediate grief and disbelief.
Following the incident, Ali Abulaban reportedly picked up his young daughter from school and made incriminating statements to her before being apprehended by the police. The arrest marked the beginning of a lengthy investigation that ultimately led to the trial in May 2024.
Throughout the trial, family members of both victims filled the courtroom, seeking justice for their lost loved ones. Despite the emotional toll of facing the accused killer in court, Jordana emphasized the importance of being present throughout the proceedings.
As the trial progressed, the details revealed and the audio recordings presented during the proceedings deeply affected the families of the victims, with Jordana describing the harrowing experience of hearing incriminating evidence against the defendant.
After a jury deliberation, Ali Abulaban was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder on May 29, bringing a sense of relief and closure to the families of Ana and Ray. Despite the verdict, the families continue to grapple with the loss and remember the lives of their loved ones.
Looking ahead to Ali’s sentencing scheduled for June 28th, the families remain hopeful that justice will be served, allowing them to finally begin to heal from the tragedy that has consumed their lives for the past three years. The verdict represents a step towards closure and the beginning of a new chapter for the families as they seek to honor the memories of Ana and Ray.