SAD: Twisted Husband Murders Ex-Wife, Buries Her Then Digs It Up One Last Time To Abuse Her Corpse

A man from Hawthorne, Los Angeles, has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife in a shocking and deeply troubling case that has drawn national attention. 

Twenty-eight-year-old Zarbab Ali was convicted for the brutal killing of Rachel Castillo, a 25-year-old mother of two and a graduate student who was working toward becoming a family therapist.

The tragic incident happened on November 10, 2022, at Rachel’s apartment in Simi Valley. Earlier that day, Ali had picked up their two young sons. 

Later that night, he returned with a knife he had bought days before and hid inside her home. When Rachel came out of her bedroom, Ali attacked her. During the trial, he admitted that she tried to defend herself but was overpowered.

Rachel’s family grew worried when they found blood in her apartment and could not reach her. They immediately reported her missing, which triggered a massive search involving local police and the FBI.

According to court testimony, after the murder, Ali wrapped Rachel’s body in a blanket, cleaned the apartment, and drove to a remote part of Antelope Valley, where he buried her in a shallow grave. Police found her body on November 13, 2022, and Ali was arrested the same day.

During the trial, Ali confessed in detail, saying he had been consumed by jealousy and anger since their separation nine months earlier. 

He claimed he struggled to accept that she had moved on and said he “blamed her for all his problems,” including issues with work and custody of their children. 

His statements in court showed a disturbing lack of remorse, and he even said he deserved the harshest punishment.

Rachel’s family described her as a bright, hardworking young woman. She was pursuing her master’s degree at Pepperdine University and also worked with a local organization helping vulnerable families. 

Her relatives rejected the defense’s attempts to paint her negatively, calling her a loving mother and a dedicated student.

After hearing all the evidence, the court found Ali guilty of murder and other related charges. He now faces a mandatory life sentence, with formal sentencing scheduled for January 12.

Rachel’s father said the verdict brought some relief, noting that justice had finally been served. Prosecutors also emphasized that the conviction ensures Ali will never again pose a danger to the community.