A 2021 jailhouse interview by journalist Kelsey Christenson with TikTok creator Ali Abulaban prior to his trial was summarized by an online true crime website, oxygen.com. The details of the crime involved Ali's arrest for the double murder of his wife Ana and her friend Rayburn Barron. Ali was known on TikTok as JinnKid and imitated well-known violent TV and movie stars. Ali had over a million followers, and he and his wife had, on the surface, an ideal marriage with a five-year-old daughter. The interview became the basis for a full-length documentary on Peacock called The TikTok Murders.

If you or a loved one feels threatened by the warning signs of domestic violence, it is essential to pay attention to these red flags and get professional help to obtain a Protection from Abuse order. Contact us at the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team at 888.535.3686 to protect yourself against domestic violence.

Christenson, the journalist, told Oxygen that the documentary highlights the dark side of social media and the perils of unquestioning belief in social media. It also highlights the perils and red flags involved in domestic violence. Ali had an obsessive desire for fame, unreasonable jealousy, and a need to control his wife. He also was addicted to cocaine, had a narcissistic personality, and owned a gun. Ana had asked her husband to leave their home and was planning to get a restraining order against him, but she was murdered shortly after Ali left the home. In 2024, Ali was convicted by a jury of double first-degree murder.

Red Flags for Domestic Violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline details important warning signs of domestic abuse. The hallmark of these warning signs is that the abuser works to gain power and control over the victim in various ways. Some of the ways abusers seek to gain control include:

• Telling the victim they never do anything right.
• Showing extreme jealousy towards the victim's friends or time spent away from the abuser.
• Insulting, demeaning, or shaming the victim, especially in front of others.
• Preventing the victim from making independent decisions, especially about working or attending school.
• Controlling finances without discussion.
• Pressuring the victim to have sex.
• Pressuring the victim to use drugs or alcohol.
• Practicing intimidation through threats or action.
• Insulting the victim's parenting or threatening to harm or take away their children or pets.
• Intimidating the victim with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
• Destroying the victim's belongings or items in their home.

Even if only one of these red flags is present, it may signal a dangerous warning sign of potential domestic violence. The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team has extensive experience in representing domestic violence victims and spousal abuse victims in Pennsylvania. It is vital that you pay attention to the warning signs of domestic violence and seek professional help to protect you from further abuse. Contact us at the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team at 888.535.3686 to help you obtain a Protection from Abuse Order and keep you safe from further domestic violence.