Missing Calif. mother found dead in remote area; ex-husband arrested
11/14/2022 11:53 am PST
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. (TCD) -- A 25-year-old man was arrested after the remains of his ex-wife were reportedly found in a remote location within the Antelope Valley.
On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 10, Emily Castillo reported her sister, Rachel Castillo, 25, missing. Emily, who lived with Rachel, reportedly told the Simi Valley Police Department that when she arrived home, she noticed there was "evidence that a struggle occurred inside," police said.
According to the department, "a significant amount of blood was located in her home." Some of Rachel’s personal belongings were still at their apartment, including her car keys, car, and cellphone.
During a search of Emily and Rachel’s apartment, police said "officers suspected that a crime involving serious injury occurred."
On the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 13, police said detectives found and positively identified Rachel’s remains. Simi Valley Police Commander Ritchie Lew told the Ventura County Star that Rachel’s remains were "out in the desert." Her cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Department.
Upon further investigation, authorities reportedly identified Rachel’s ex-husband, Zarbab Ali, as the primary suspect.
According to police, Ali was arrested at his parents’ home in Victorville.
Rachel leaves behind two minor children, the Ventura County Star reports.
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