Kit Roberts
A TikToker convicted of murdering his estranged wife and her friend shared a final message on Instagram before leaving for prison.
Ali Abulaban, who went by 'JinnKid' on social media, was sentenced to two consecutive 25 year sentences for the murders of Ana Abulaban, 28, and her Rayburn Cardenas Barron, 29, in San Diego in October 2021.
Before his sentencing, six of Ana and Rayburn's loved ones read out victim impact statements to the court.
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Among them was Ana's sister, who screamed at Abulaban about the impact of her and her family's devastating loss.
She said: "I had no idea that my sister's life would be miserable living with you. You treated my sister like she didn’t matter, but she mattered.”
The couple had been estranged at the time of Ana and Rayburn's deaths, with Abulaban later admitting he had previously hit his wife.
Abulaban previously installed a listening device on their daughter's iPad, and overheard what he thought was a man's voice.
The court heard that he had gone over to Ana's home and found her and Rayburn at the address.
He shot both of them dead.
Speaking to the court in a televised hearing, he said: "I'm shooting and I can't stop," adding: "I just snapped.”
Since Abulaban had confessed to the killings, it was up to the jury to decide whether the killings were in the first or second degree.
The precise definitions vary by jurisdiction, but in general terms first degree murder is a premeditated and intentional killing, while second degree is intentional but not premeditated.
Ultimately, Abulaban was convicted of two counts of first degree murder.
The TikToker, who had gained over a million followers for his impressions of movie and video game characters, shared a final post on Instagram.
The post began with a typo addressing 'dead friends' instead of 'dear friends.
It read: "I would like to share a few words with you all before I leave for prison in the morning.
Regardless of how you all may feel about me, my content or this heartbreaking tragedy - the bottom line is that I have done something terrible. Due to my irresponsible behaviour and lack of self-control, two innocent lives were taken and I am at fault. No excuse is acceptable and I will no longer attempt to use my platform as a means of defending myself. I had my opportunity to speak during trial and have fully explained my honest intentions were on that terrible day. Non the less, I was found guilty and now I must face the music and walk this path ahead of me."
He continued: "At this time, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to leave you all with this message: I am so very sorry for my actions and I am ashamed at how pathetic and selfish I had been. Most importantly, I am eternally devastated by the haunting reality that I have forever hurt the love of my life and fatally injured the man beside her.
Neither of them deserved this outcome and I am forever indebted to the victims' families. It is my hope that the life sentences I received have at least begun the healing process for you all."
He went on to address his 'viewers and past supporters' before saying he had to 'pay my dues' and concluding: "Thanks again and goodbye for now."
Speaking at Abulaban's sentencing, San Diego Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Fraser said: "He's a very selfish person, as I think the jury saw.
"The bottom line here is, he will die in prison, he will never be a free man. He will take his last breath there."