An estranged husband has been charged with first-degree homicide in reference to the killing of a younger Simi Valley mom of two, the Ventura County district legal professional’s workplace stated Tuesday.
Zarbab Ali, from Hawthorne, allegedly used a knife to kill Rachel Castillo, 25, with whom he had two sons, ages 2 and 5, Dist. Atty. Erik Nasarenko stated in a information convention. The 25-year-old suspect is additionally going through particular allegations of mendacity in wait and utilizing a lethal weapon within the killing, Nasarenko stated.
“This was a 25-year-old lady who had a vivid and inspiriting future which, sadly, was taken from her,” Nasarenko stated.
Ali, the prosecutor stated, “acted in a premeditated, willful and malicious method.”
Castillo was reported lacking Thursday after her sister got here dwelling that night time and located a considerable amount of blood. Castillo’s keys, telephone and automotive have been additionally left behind.
Castillo’s mom stated Ali was set to select up their two youngsters that morning, whereas Castillo labored from dwelling.
On Sunday, Simi Valley detectives discovered Castillo’s physique in a distant location within the Antelope Valley, and introduced that Ali was taken into custody in Victorville.
“We’ve rapidly, sadly and tragically moved from a lacking individual investigation beneath suspicious circumstances, to a murder investigation,” Nasarenko stated.
Castillo grew up in Simi Valley, Nasarenko stated, and labored for an area nonprofit group serving to households who have been victims of home violence.
“She was very a lot a pillar of our group,” he stated. “What occurred to her is a tragic, tragic and profound loss.”
Neighbors of Castillo within the house complicated the place she lived stated they have been shocked by the dying. Some recalled seeing the previous couple in coordinated Halloween costumes, and Castillo had playdates scheduled for her two youngsters.
Ali is at present being held with out bail.
