The Tragic Story Of Ali Abulaban: A TikTok Star's Descent Into Darkness

Friends and family spoke out about the troubled past of former TikTok star Ali Abulaban, who is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday for the murders of his wife and her friend, in a recently released documentary on Peacock. Abulaban was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder in May. He shot and killed his wife Ana Abulaban, 28, and her friend Rayburn Barron, 29, inside the San Diego apartment Ali and Ana shared in 2021.

The couple, which was separated at the time of the murders, met in 2014 while Ali Abulaban was serving in the Air Force, stationed in Japan. Ana was originally from the Philippines. Their story is the subject of the Peacock documentary TikTok Star Murders.

Ana's friend Kayla reflected, "I think she saw someone that was successful, that had a good head on his shoulders. He had a good ranking in the military and they had a lot of laughter and love." This sentiment echoes the complexities of their relationship, which began with promise but ultimately led to tragedy.

Biography

Early Life and Relationship with Ana Abulaban

The early life of Ali Abulaban was marked by a successful military career and a blossoming romance with Ana. They met while he was stationed in Japan and quickly fell in love, leading to a whirlwind relationship that included a marriage and the birth of their child.

However, the relationship took a dark turn when Ali's jealousy and controlling behavior began to surface. Friends of Ana noticed that Ali had a strong personality and could be possessive, often feeling threatened by anyone who complimented Ana's appearance.

Julia, a close friend of Ana, expressed her concerns about Ali’s controlling nature. "I told her, 'I feel like he's a little bit controlling,'" she said. Ana, however, reassured her that she loved him and believed everything would be okay.

Ali's Rise to Social Media Fame

Ali Abulaban found fame on TikTok under the username "Jinnkid," where he gained a substantial following for his comedic skits and impressions, including that of Tony Montana from Scarface. His online persona provided an escape from his troubled reality, allowing him to connect with fans and express creativity.

As Ali's popularity grew, Ana also gained recognition on social media, appearing in many of his videos. Unlike Ali, who was driven by the attention and followers, Ana viewed fame more lightly and was focused on her family.

The Downward Spiral

As the couple moved to San Diego, the dynamics of their relationship shifted. Friends noted how Ali began to isolate Ana from her support network, often controlling who she could see and where she could go. This change left Ana feeling lonely and vulnerable, especially in a new city.

Julia observed, "They would hang out with only who he wanted to hang out with. If he didn’t want Ana to come out with a girl’s night, she wasn’t going." This controlling behavior was coupled with Ali's alleged substance abuse, further straining their relationship.

As tensions escalated, friends began to worry for Ana's safety. The final straw came when Ali's infidelity was discovered, leading Ana to move out temporarily with their daughter.

Tragic Events and Consequences

Despite the turmoil, Ana returned to the apartment when Ali assured her he would stay at a hotel. Tragically, this decision led to her murder, leaving her friends and family devastated. The San Diego Police Department had previously responded to domestic violence calls from Ana but did not arrest Ali due to the lack of visible injuries.

Ali’s actions that night were shocking, and the aftermath has left a lasting impact on those who knew Ana. Her friends continue to speak out, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and the need for support for those in similar situations.

As Ali faces life in prison without parole, the story of Ana Abulaban serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of relationships and the devastating effects of domestic violence.