Ali Abulaban, a former TikTok star known by his handle “Jinn-Kid,” has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the 2021 murders of his estranged wife, 28-year-old Ana Abulaban, and her friend, 29-year-old Rayburn Cardenas Barron. The sentencing follows a high-profile case that shocked the social media world and left two families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The fatal incident took place in October 2021 at Ana Abulaban’s downtown San Diego apartment. Ali Abulaban, who had been separated from his wife at the time, entered the apartment and shot both victims in what prosecutors described as a premeditated act fueled by jealousy and rage. Abulaban had previously installed a listening device in the apartment to spy on his wife, and upon hearing another man in her home, he rushed to the scene and committed the murders.
Abulaban, who had amassed a large following on TikTok for his comedic impressions and skits, had documented much of his troubled relationship on social media, even going live on Instagram during heated arguments with his wife. His online persona as “Jinn-Kid” contrasted sharply with the tragic events that unfolded in real life.
At the sentencing, family members of the victims expressed their grief and called for justice. Rayburn Barron’s sister emotionally addressed the court, demanding accountability for the senseless violence that claimed her brother’s life. After the sentencing was handed down, one of Ana Abulaban’s relatives shouted angrily at the convicted murderer, reflecting the deep pain and anger that the killings have caused.
The 32-year-old Abulaban showed little reaction during the hearing, but his defense team had previously argued for a lighter sentence, citing mental health concerns. However, the judge ruled that the nature of the crime—especially its premeditation—warranted the maximum sentence.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Abulaban’s former status as a social media influencer, and it has raised questions about the intersection of fame, personal struggles, and the impact of social media on relationships. The tragic deaths of Ana Abulaban and Rayburn Cardenas Barron have left a lasting mark on the San Diego community, with many calling for greater awareness of domestic violence.
