Man Gets Life for Desert Grave Murder

Zarbab Ali has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of his estranged wife, Rachel Castillo. Castillo's body was found buried in a shallow grave in the desert on November 21, 2025, approximately two years after her death. The murder occurred at a Simi Valley apartment on November 10, 2022, while Ali and Castillo were in the process of divorcing.

Authorities reported that Ali ambushed Castillo, stabbing her 11 times before concealing her body in his car's trunk and burying it in Littlerock. He later exhumed the body for sexual contact before reburying her. Castillo's sister discovered signs of a struggle and alerted authorities, leading to Ali's arrest on November 13, 2022.

During sentencing, Castillo's family shared poignant impact statements, remembering her as a loving mother and sister with aspirations for her and her two young sons. Prosecutors stated Ali had shown no remorse, and the sentence ensures he will never harm others again. Castillo, age 25, was pursuing a master's degree at Pepperdine University at the time of her death.