In a tense courtroom scene, California judge Jeffrey Fraser sternly addressed TikTok personality Ali Abulaban, declaring that “the bottom line here is you will die in prison” and that he “will never be a free man.” Abulaban, widely known for his online comedic content, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 50 years due to firearm enhancements. The sentencing, which was live-streamed by Court TV, drew attention.
According to People magazine, the tragedy began when Abulaban, estranged from his wife Ana Marie, eavesdropped on her through a hidden listening device he had placed on their young daughter’s iPad. Overhearing another man in their San Diego apartment in October 2021, Abulaban rushed to the scene, fatally shooting Rayburn Barron, 29, before killing his wife with a shot to the head.
Abulaban’s rise to fame on TikTok featured impressions of characters like Tony Montana, but behind the scenes, Ana lived in fear of his escalating threats
The couple’s relationship began years earlier when Ana, originally from the Philippines, became pregnant. They applied for a marriage visa and later moved to the U.S., settling in Virginia, where Abulaban gained popularity on TikTok under the username JinnKidd, imitating famous characters like Tony Montana from Scarface.
Ana was featured in some of his videos, but behind the scenes, she was desperate to leave him. However, she feared deportation to the Philippines and the possibility of being separated from their daughter, Amira. Ana also grappled with the cultural stigma surrounding divorce in her homeland. Despite enduring domestic violence and infidelity, Ana hesitated to leave until Abulaban’s threats escalated.
At the sentencing, Judge Fraser remarked on Abulaban’s lack of remorse, describing his actions as “chilling,” while also condemning him as a “very selfish person.” The courtroom’s applause marked a somber end to the case.
