Simi Valley, California – A California man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury determined he brutally murdered his estranged wife by hiding inside her apartment, ambushing her as she stepped out of her bedroom, and later burying her in a remote desert location. The chilling case has shaken the Simi Valley community, revealing a disturbing series of actions driven by jealousy, rage, and premeditation.
Overview of the Incident
According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, 28-year-old Zarbab Ali was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of 25-year-old Rachel Castillo. Prosecutors said Ali waited inside her home on Nov. 10, 2022, attacked her with a knife, and later transported her body to a remote area in the Antelope Valley desert.
The source report from Ventura County Star explains how investigators quickly realized they were dealing with a violent crime after discovering large amounts of blood inside the apartment.
Timeline of Events Leading to Rachel’s Disappearance
Castillo’s family raised the alarm when her sister returned to the apartment and found blood throughout the home. Rachel’s phone, keys, and vehicle were still inside, heightening fears about her safety.
Her sister immediately called 911 after searching every room in panic.
“As soon as I saw the blood, that’s when I realized something wasn’t right,” her sister told local reporters. “I checked everywhere…but she wasn’t anywhere in there.”
Police arrived and quickly determined that a violent struggle had taken place.
Three days later, on Nov. 13, 2022, law enforcement officers—alongside the FBI—located Rachel’s remains in a shallow grave in the desert. The next day, Ali was arrested.
Confession Details and Investigation Findings
During his confession, Ali admitted that he had been contemplating killing Rachel for months. The couple had been separated for nine months, and he struggled with jealousy over her desire for a divorce.
He picked up their two children as part of a routine exchange, then returned to her residence when he noticed the door was unlocked.
“I really didn’t want to do it,” Ali told detectives. “Everything in my body was telling me not to do it.”
Instead, he entered, turned off the lights, and waited in silence until she emerged from her bedroom. He then stabbed her three times with a kitchen knife. After the murder, he wrapped her in a blanket, cleaned parts of the scene, and transported her body to the desert.
Shockingly, Ali returned the next day and sexually assaulted her remains.
“Just to confirm that I am a monster, I raped her,” he reportedly said. “If I didn’t commit to being a monster, then she would have died for no reason.”
Courtroom Testimony and Jury Verdict
During the trial, Ali took the stand in a failed attempt to justify his actions. He claimed he became emotionally unstable after learning Rachel had fallen in love with someone else.
“She was my entire world…and it all just crashed around me,” he testified.
He also admitted that his earlier claim that her death was painless was untrue.
“In reality, she put up a fight,” he stated. “I was a brute…I pushed her down, and it was gory beyond belief.”
The jury convicted him of first-degree murder. Ali is now facing a mandatory life sentence, with the formal sentencing scheduled for Jan. 12.
Statements from Family and Officials
Rachel’s family expressed relief that the verdict ensures justice.
“We are very happy that justice will be served in this case in this life and the next,” her father Chris Castillo told the Ventura County Star.
Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell praised investigators’ relentless efforts.
“Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain,” he said. “This conviction ensures the defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison.”
Domestic Violence and Community Impact
Cases like Rachel’s highlight the often-hidden dangers of domestic violence, especially in relationships where separation and jealousy escalate tensions. Advocates urge individuals facing threats from partners or former partners to seek help immediately.
Experts note that the period shortly after separation is statistically one of the most dangerous times for victims of intimate partner violence.
Communities are encouraged to remain vigilant, support survivors, and report concerning behavior to authorities.
Conclusion
Rachel Castillo’s tragic death has left her family, friends, and community grieving. With her killer now awaiting a life sentence, her loved ones hope this verdict brings some measure of justice.
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