Ali Abulaban: The TikTok Star Who Became "JinnKid Killer" - Inside His Deadly Double Murder Case
The infamous case of Ali Abulaban, known online as "Jin Kid," reveals the stark contrast between curated social media personas and disturbing reality. Behind the TikTok fame and seemingly perfect family life with his wife Anna Maria and their young daughter lurked a volatile, jealous man consumed by rage. What appeared to be a glamorous San Diego lifestyle actually masked a relationship deteriorating under the weight of domestic violence, drug abuse, and Abulaban's growing obsession with his online persona.
Court videos and police recordings now expose the chilling details of the double homicide that occurred in a luxury downtown highrise. Prosecutors successfully argued that Abulaban's actions were calculated rather than a "heat of passion" crime, meticulously documenting his movements before and after he fatally shot his wife and her friend Ray Baron as they sat defenseless on a couch. The evidence presented in court, including security footage and recorded phone calls, ultimately led to his conviction for first-degree murder, ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life in prison.
Key Takeaways
Behind Ali Abulaban's "Jin Kid" social media persona existed a reality of domestic violence and jealousy that culminated in murder.
Surveillance footage, phone recordings, and witness testimonies contradicted Abulaban's "heat of passion" defense, revealing calculated actions.
The verdict has left a young child without parents and devastated multiple families while highlighting the dangerous disconnect between online personas and reality.
The Deadly Incident
Violent Scene on Interstate Highway
On a busy San Diego freeway during mid-afternoon traffic, police pursued a fleeing suspect who had just committed a brutal double homicide. The man's 5-year-old daughter remained in his vehicle during the chase. Authorities eventually apprehended him on the highway, taking him into custody while carefully managing the situation to protect the child involved. Body camera footage later released through court proceedings documented the tense moments of the arrest as officers approached with caution, asking "Do you have any weapons on you?"
High-Rise Apartment Attack
Earlier that day, emergency services had responded to reports of gunfire inside an upscale downtown apartment building. When police arrived at the luxury high-rise, they discovered two victims: Anna Maria Abulaban and Ray Baron, both fatally shot while sitting defenseless on a couch. Security camera footage from the building captured the perpetrator entering the garage, rushing toward the apartment, and then fleeing moments after gunshots were heard. The footage shows him later returning to the scene, seemingly in an attempt to create the appearance that he had just discovered the bodies.
Capture of Social Media Personality
Police arrested Ali Abulaban, known online as "Jin Kid," a social media personality who had gained fame for his character impressions on TikTok. During his arrest, Abulaban appeared distressed, repeatedly claiming to have discovered his wife with another man. Court evidence would later reveal he had installed a listening application on his daughter's iPad to spy on his wife before the killings. Prosecutors successfully argued that rather than a crime of passion as Abulaban claimed, the murders were premeditated. Security footage, social media posts, and recorded calls to family members established a timeline proving his deliberate actions. After a three-year legal process, a jury found Abulaban guilty of first-degree murder, with the judge declaring he would "take his last breath" in prison.
Background Information
This section details the individuals involved in the high-profile murder case from San Diego, presenting both the victims and the perpetrator's public persona.
Anna Maria Buaban and Ray Bur Baron
Anna Maria Buaban was known as a devoted mother who prioritized her daughter above everything else in her life. She had relocated to San Diego from Virginia with her husband and their child, hoping to build a better life in California. According to friends and acquaintances, Anna faced significant challenges in her marriage, including instances of domestic violence that were documented on police body cameras.
Ray Bur Baron, the second victim, was a friend of Anna's. His family was devastated by his tragic death, left heartbroken by the senseless violence that took his life. Ray was visiting Anna at her luxury high-rise apartment in downtown San Diego when the shooting occurred.
Both victims were sitting defenseless on a couch when they were fatally shot. Their murders were captured partially on security footage from a neighbor's camera, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution's case.
Ali Abulaban's "JinKid" Persona
Ali Abulaban created the social media character "JinKid" after moving to San Diego with his family. This online persona brought him newfound fame on TikTok, where he performed various impressions and comedy bits. One of his notable character impressions was of Tony Montana from the film Scarface.
On social media, Abulaban portrayed himself as part of a happy, attractive couple living an enviable life in San Diego. He frequently posted content suggesting a loving relationship and successful lifestyle. His public image contrasted sharply with the reality of his private life, which included:
Drug abuse documented on social media
Jealous and controlling behavior
Self-proclaimed status as an "internet celebrity"
Volatile outbursts directed at his wife
Prosecutors argued that Abulaban became obsessed with fame and his online persona, claiming he wanted to be the center of his wife's world. As stated by witnesses in a Peacock documentary about the case, "He took this thing and really let it go to his head." His social media character projected confidence and success while masking the deteriorating state of his marriage and mental health.
The disparity between his curated online image and the reality of his life became central to understanding the events that led to the murders.
The Deeper Motivations
Marriage Problems and Suspicion
The relationship between Ali Abulaban and his wife Anna Maria presented a stark contrast between public perception and private reality. On social media, they appeared as an attractive, loving couple enjoying life in San Diego with their young daughter. Behind closed doors, however, their marriage was collapsing under extreme tension and distrust. Ali frequently displayed controlling behavior, demanding that his wife make him "the center of her world."
This possessiveness manifested in disturbing ways. Police body camera footage captured previous domestic incidents, while voicemails revealed his aggressive entitlement: "I'm an internet celebrity. You think you have the right to deny me sex for a month?" Such patterns of control escalated as Anna sought independence, ultimately requesting a divorce—a decision that triggered Ali's most violent response.
Pursuit of Celebrity Status
Ali's obsession with fame transformed his personality and relationships. After creating his "JinnKid" character on TikTok, he experienced a surge in popularity that dramatically altered his self-perception. Friends noted how "he took this thing and really let it go to his head," adopting an increasingly grandiose attitude summarized in his own words: "I'm a God."
The character he portrayed online—inspired by Scarface's Tony Montana—began bleeding into his real-life behavior. This pursuit of social media stardom created an alternate reality where:
He prioritized his online persona over family relationships
He regularly broadcast personal conflicts for audience engagement
His self-image became dangerously inflated, disconnecting him from reality
Substance Use and Psychological Struggles
Ali's deteriorating mental state played a critical role in the tragedy. His followers had witnessed and reposted evidence of his "blatant drug abuse" on social media platforms. This substance use likely exacerbated underlying psychological issues that remained untreated.
During court proceedings, the defense argued that "untreated mental illness and drug abuse put him in a state of psychosis." However, prosecutors successfully demonstrated that his actions showed clear premeditation rather than impulsive behavior driven by mental health crises.
His increasingly erratic conduct worried those around him. Friends observed him "starting to unravel" as his drug use, fame obsession, and marital problems intensified simultaneously. This toxic combination created conditions where rational thinking gave way to dangerous impulses and ultimately, violence.
Evidence and Investigation
Court Footage and Legal Recordings
Recently released court videos and audio recordings reveal the disturbing reality behind the Ali Abulaban case. These materials, obtained through legal channels, document crucial moments from the investigation and trial. The footage shows Abulaban's arrest after fleeing a murder scene on a San Diego freeway with his 5-year-old daughter still in the vehicle.
Police body camera footage captures officers approaching Abulaban asking, "Do you have any weapons?" Additional recordings include his 911 call following the murders, where he claimed to have "found them dead" despite later admitting to the shootings. The prosecution used these recordings to establish their case of premeditated murder rather than a crime of passion.
Media Investigation and Documentary Coverage
True Crime News conducted an extensive investigation into Abulaban's case, revealing the stark contrast between his curated social media persona and his violent private life. Their analysis exposed how Abulaban, known online as "Jin Kid," built a following through his Tony Montana impressions while his marriage deteriorated amid accusations of abuse.
A Peacock documentary further examined how Abulaban's obsession with fame contributed to his downward spiral. The documentary features interviews with Anna Marie's friends who witnessed concerning behavior, including one incident where "he's throwing things at her" and another friend noting, "That was our first glimpse of how crazy Ali could get."
Documented Timeline of Abulaban's Actions
Security footage presented in court established a precise timeline of Abulaban's movements on the day of the murders:
Abulaban enters the apartment building garage
Runs toward the apartment where victims were sitting
Gunshots heard approximately 10 seconds later
Leaves apartment appearing panicked
Returns 45 seconds later, pacing between elevator and apartment
Re-enters apartment calling Anna's name (prosecutors argued this was staged)
Prosecutors revealed Abulaban had installed a listening app on his daughter's iPad to spy on his wife after she requested a divorce. Cell phone data and security recordings showed his actions were calculated rather than impulsive. One neighbor's security camera captured a call to his mother immediately after the shootings.
The evidence culminated in a first-degree murder conviction. The judge's final statement was unambiguous: "He will die in prison. He will never be a free man. He will take his last breath there."
Ali Abulaban's Violent Actions
Murder Timeline
Ali Abulaban, known as "Jin Kid" on TikTok, committed a double homicide on October 21, 2021, in a downtown San Diego luxury high-rise apartment. His actions that day were captured through security footage and later presented as evidence in court.
Security cameras recorded Abulaban entering the building's garage and rushing toward the apartment where his wife Anna Maria and her friend Ray Baron were sitting on a couch. About 10 seconds after entering, gunshots were heard. Abulaban then left the apartment appearing panicked, pacing between the elevator and apartment entrance for approximately 45 seconds before returning inside.
While inside, he was heard calling out Anna's name loudly. Prosecutors determined this behavior was part of his effort to create a scenario where he "discovered" the bodies, rather than having killed them.
Covering His Tracks
Following the murders, Abulaban attempted several methods to conceal his guilt:
Made a 911 call claiming he "found" his wife and another man dead
Initially fled the crime scene with his 5-year-old daughter still in his vehicle
Created a false narrative that he discovered the bodies rather than being the perpetrator
Called his mother after the shooting in what prosecutors described as part of his cover-up strategy
Key Deceptive Actions:
Pretended to discover the bodies after having just shot the victims
Staged an emotional reaction that was caught on a neighbor's security camera
Later claimed mental illness and drug abuse had put him in a "state of psychosis"
Police eventually apprehended him on a San Diego freeway with his daughter still in the vehicle.
Premeditation vs. Heat of Passion
While Abulaban claimed the killings occurred in the "heat of passion" after discovering his wife with another man, prosecutors presented substantial evidence of premeditation:
Digital Surveillance: Installed a listening app on his daughter's iPad to spy on his wife
Marriage Context: His wife had previously asked for a divorce
Prior Violence: Body camera footage from police showed previous domestic violence incidents
Methodical Execution: Waited until he heard his wife with Ray Baron before executing his plan
Text messages, voicemails, and social media posts revealed Abulaban's possessive and jealous behavior. Friends testified about his physical abuse toward Anna Marie.
The jury ultimately rejected Abulaban's "heat of passion" defense, finding him guilty of first-degree murder. The judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole, stating, "He will die in prison. He will never be a free man."
Impact on Families
The tragic events surrounding Ali Abulaban's crimes have left deep wounds on multiple families, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate victims. The consequences of his actions have permanently altered lives and sparked intense public discourse about domestic violence, social media fame, and justice.
Aftermath for Daughter and Family Members
The most heartbreaking consequence of this tragedy is the impact on Abulaban's 5-year-old daughter, who was in his vehicle during his arrest following the murders. She now faces growing up without either parent—her mother Anna Maria murdered and her father imprisoned for life. As one family member noted, "Anna was an amazing mother who adored her daughter more than anything in the world," making this loss even more devastating for the child.
Ray Baron's family has been left "shattered and heartbroken" by his senseless killing. They attended the court proceedings and witnessed the judicial process unfold, culminating in the verdict that would never bring their loved one back but provided some measure of justice.
The extended families of both victims must now navigate not only their grief but also the practical realities of supporting the young child who lost both parental figures in this horrific incident.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The case generated significant public interest, particularly given Abulaban's social media presence as "JinnKid" on TikTok. His followers, who once enjoyed his comedy impressions, witnessed the stark contrast between his carefully curated online persona and the disturbing reality of his personal life.
Many of Abulaban's own followers reposted evidence of his concerning behavior, including videos showing drug abuse and volatile tendencies. The peacock documentary that covered the case further highlighted this disconnect, featuring testimonies from Anna Maria's friends who witnessed the escalating abuse that contradicted the happy family image portrayed online.
The judge's final statement that "he will die in prison... he will take his last breath there" resonated strongly with a public that had followed the case through media coverage. This tragedy has become a somber cautionary tale about the potential dark realities lurking behind seemingly perfect social media presentations.
Legal Matters
The Prosecution's Position
The prosecution built a methodical case against Ali Abulaban, presenting substantial evidence that contradicted his claims of acting in the heat of passion. They established a timeline demonstrating premeditation, using security camera footage that captured Abulaban entering the apartment building garage, running toward the apartment, and then leaving moments after gunshots were heard. The video evidence showed him pacing between the elevator and apartment before returning inside, allegedly to create a cover story.
Prosecutors revealed that Abulaban had installed a listening application on his daughter's iPad to spy on his wife after she requested a divorce. This surveillance allowed him to determine when to execute his plan. They argued his actions were calculated rather than impulsive, citing his behavior after the shootings as attempts to conceal his involvement.
Additional evidence included social media posts, voicemails, and police body camera footage from previous domestic violence incidents. Neighbors and friends testified about Abulaban's history of abusive behavior, strengthening the prosecution's portrayal of a deliberate double homicide.
The Defendant's Position and Strategy
Abulaban entered a not guilty plea to the murder charges, constructing a defense around diminished capacity. He claimed the killings occurred in the heat of passion after discovering his wife with another man. His defense team argued untreated mental illness and substance abuse had placed him in a state of psychosis, impairing his ability to think rationally at the time of the shootings.
During police questioning, Abulaban became emotional when asked directly about killing his wife, responding with "don't ask me that." In a jail interview with a local reporter, he attempted to justify his actions by describing his feelings upon finding Ray "on my couch with his feet on my table with my wife, my money, my apartment."
The defense sought to portray Abulaban as someone who lost control momentarily rather than executing a premeditated plan, emphasizing his psychological state and substance abuse issues as mitigating factors.
Courtroom Behavior and Proceedings
Abulaban's courtroom demeanor became a significant aspect of the trial. The man who had created the "JinnKid" persona on social media and portrayed characters online continued performing during legal proceedings. During cross-examination, he displayed outbursts when confronted with evidence, at one point declaring, "I'm not going to tolerate this."
After three years of incarceration awaiting trial, Abulaban appeared surprised by some evidence, questioning prosecutors about information allegedly not shared with his defense team. His theatrical behavior throughout the proceedings did not appear to benefit his case.
The families of victims Anna Maria Abulaban and Ray Baron attended the court sessions, witnessing the culmination of the legal process. When the verdict was finally delivered, the jury found Ali Abulaban guilty of first-degree murder. The judge, who had observed the defendant's behavior throughout the trial, emphasized the finality of the punishment, stating Abulaban "will die in prison" and "will never be a free man."
Outcome
Final Judgment and Prison Term
Ali Abulaban, known online as "JinKid," received the ultimate legal consequence for his actions. In court, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict, finding him guilty of first-degree murder for the killings of Anna Maria Abulaban and Ray Baron. The evidence presented during trial, including security camera footage, recorded phone calls, and testimony, proved convincing beyond reasonable doubt. The judge, who had witnessed Abulaban's behavior throughout the proceedings, delivered a definitive sentence. The ruling was absolute—Abulaban would spend the remainder of his life in prison with no possibility of release. In the judge's own clear statement, "He will die in prison. He will never be a free man."
Ali Abulaban's Life Going Forward
The once-aspiring social media personality now faces a drastically different future than the fame he sought. Abulaban will live out his days in the California prison system, completely removed from the online world where he cultivated his "JinKid" character. His daughter, only five years old at the time of the murders, must now grow up without either parent—her mother tragically killed and her father imprisoned for life. The consequences extend beyond Abulaban himself, affecting multiple families. Anna's family lost a devoted mother who, according to those who knew her, "adored her daughter more than anything." Ray Baron's loved ones have been left to process their grief while the man responsible serves his sentence. The social media personality Abulaban built has been permanently replaced by his identity as a convicted murderer.
Media Coverage
Peacock Documentary Insights
The Peacock documentary provides a revealing look into Ali Abulaban's life before the murders. Friends of Anna Marie interviewed in the documentary describe witnessing concerning behavior, including an incident where Ali threw objects at Anna during an argument. After Anna fled the apartment with their daughter, Ali bombarded her with threatening texts, including warnings that he would empty their bank accounts. When concerned friends questioned Anna about whether this was normal behavior, she downplayed the situation, saying, "Don't worry about it, I'm fine." This interaction offered an early glimpse into the volatile dynamics of their relationship that would eventually escalate to violence.
Social Media Persona vs. Reality
Ali Abulaban, known as "Jin Kid" to his followers, carefully crafted an online persona that diverged dramatically from his actual life. On social media, Ali and Anna appeared to be a picture-perfect couple living an enviable life in San Diego. Their profiles portrayed a young, attractive family enjoying prosperity and happiness. Behind this digital façade, however, existed a troubled relationship marked by:
Domestic violence incidents documented on police body cameras
Verbal abuse captured in disturbing voicemails
Drug use openly displayed in posts later reshared by followers
Jealous behavior that intensified as their marriage deteriorated
Ali's online character mimicked Scarface's Tony Montana, glorifying a violent and toxic masculinity that tragically materialized in his real life. His pursuit of internet fame appeared to fuel delusions of grandeur, with statements like "I'm a God" and "I'm an internet celebrity" revealing his distorted self-perception. This stark contrast between his curated online image and the disturbing reality of his home life highlights the potentially dangerous disconnect social media can foster.
