Man Testifies He Wanted Estranged Wife Dead in Simi Valley Murder Trial

Zarbab Ali, on trial for the murder of his estranged wife Rachel Castillo, gave chilling testimony admitting he killed her out of jealousy and anger.

Here’s the breakdown

Read this especially if you follow domestic violence cases, high-profile trials in Ventura County, or how mental health, jealousy, and trauma intersect in violent crime.

What Just Happened

Zarbab Ali, 28, is on trial in Ventura County for the 2022 killing of Rachel Castillo, the mother of his two children. On Nov. 17, Ali took the stand and admitted under oath that he murdered Castillo at her Simi Valley apartment, buried her in the Antelope Valley, and later returned to her grave to violate her body. His testimony followed a videotaped confession to police that was also shown to the jury. He said he acted out of intense jealousy and emotional torment following their separation.

Key Facts from the Trial

Ali admitted to the killing in a taped interview played for the jury, saying: “I wanted her dead.”

• He told detectives he planned the act for weeks, bought a knife in advance, and lied to minimize trauma for her family.
• After stabbing her, he wrapped her body in a blanket, drove it to a desert location, and buried her in a shallow grave.
• He returned hours later to exhume the body and sexually assaulted it, telling police, “Just to confirm that I am a monster.”
• The motive, according to Ali, was Castillo’s alleged infidelity and emotional manipulation after their divorce proceedings began.

Why This Case Matters

• Domestic Violence Awareness: Ali’s chilling testimony underscores how controlling behavior and emotional instability can lead to tragic violence.
• Mental Health and Jealousy: His remarks reveal a deep psychological unraveling, which prosecutors are using to argue premeditated murder.
• Justice for Victims: Castillo’s family has endured years of grief, with her murder initially shocking the Simi Valley community. This trial represents a chance for closure.
• Legal Impact: Ali’s admission that he planned the attack and returned to desecrate the body could affect sentencing severity and public conversation around punishment.

Courtroom Timeline

• Opening statements began Nov. 6 in Ventura County Superior Court.
• Over 20 prosecution witnesses were called.
• Ali began testifying on Nov. 17 and was expected to return Nov. 18 for cross-examination.
• He previously pleaded not guilty but admitted to defiling the corpse in October.

Why You Should Care

This case is not just about a brutal crime. It’s a story of how unresolved anger, jealousy, and obsession can lead to catastrophic consequences.

For families navigating custody, separation, and mental health struggles, the Castillo case is a heartbreaking example of what happens when help is too late.

Following this trial is vital for advocates, educators, and anyone concerned with improving the systems that fail to catch warning signs in domestic disputes.