At a Glance
- A California man fatally stabbed his estranged wife in November 2022 before their divorce finalized
- He later confessed to digging up her body and engaging in sexual conduct with her remains
- Why it matters: The case highlights extreme domestic violence and the justice system’s response to post-mortem abuse
A California mother of two was murdered by her estranged husband in November 2022, just as their divorce was nearing completion. The killer later returned to her shallow desert grave to sexually assault her remains, authorities revealed.
The Attack
Rachael Castillo, 28, had filed for divorce from Zarbab Ali, 29. She was staying at her sister’s Simi Valley apartment with their two young sons when Ali struck.
On Nov. 10, 2022, Ali picked up the boys and drove them to his parents’ home in Victorville. He then returned to the apartment, found the front door unlocked, and waited inside with the lights off.
When Castillo walked out of a bedroom, Ali confronted her in a dark hallway and stabbed her 11 times in the neck and chest, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Cover-Up and Burial
After the killing, Ali:
- Wrapped Castillo’s body in a blanket
- Attempted to clean the scene
- Placed her body in the trunk of his car, which he had left open
- Drove to Littlerock, California
- Used a newly purchased shovel to dig a shallow grave
He then returned to his parents’ house where the children were staying.
Castillo’s sister discovered signs of a struggle and called police after noticing Castillo’s phone and car remained at the apartment. Officers found bloody items in a nearby dumpster and spoke with neighbors who recalled seeing Ali.
Post-Mortem Abuse
At approximately 2:00 a.m. the next day, Ali drove back to the burial site. He dug up Castillo’s body, engaged in sexual conduct with her remains, and reburied her, prosecutors said. He later confessed to the act during police interrogation.
On Nov. 13, 2022, investigators located her body in a remote desert area near Littlerock after following vehicle tracks for about 70 yards. They found a metal shovel about 20 yards from the disturbed soil and recovered Castillo’s body beneath one of the dirt piles.
Ali was arrested that same day after leaving his parents’ home.
Sentencing
On Jan. 12, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Ali’s sentence: life in prison without the possibility of parole. Ali had pleaded guilty to unlawful mutilation, disinterment, and sexual contact with human remains, and was convicted of murder.
Victim Impact
During sentencing, Castillo’s family delivered emotional statements. They remembered her as:
- A devoted mother
- A loving sister
- A daughter and friend
- A woman with a “silly, soft-spoken voice that would make anyone smile”
Castillo had recently begun a master’s program at Pepperdine University and had dreams for her and her boys’ future. “She deserved to watch them grow,” her loved ones said.
They called Ali “a coward” and spoke on behalf of the “two innocent children whose lives were forever changed.”
Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell of the Major Crimes Homicides Unit condemned Ali’s lack of remorse.
“Where any human being should feel shame, disgust, and loathing for what he has done, the defendant has shown no remorse,” Russell said. “His actions place him among the very worst offenders this court will ever see. He deserved no leniency, and today’s sentence ensures he will never again be free to endanger another person or inflict further harm on society.”
Key Takeaways
- The murder occurred while divorce proceedings were nearly complete
- Ali confessed to both the killing and the post-mortem abuse
- Investigators used vehicle tracks and physical evidence to locate the body
- The life sentence ensures Ali will never be released
