Missing California Mom Found Dead; Large Amount of Blood Found at Her Apartment

Authorities announced that the mom of two, Rachel Castillo, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances last week from her Simi Valley, California home, has been found dead. The Simi Valley Police Department said on Sunday, November 13, that Castillo's body was found in a remote area in Antelope Valley.

Cops have named the victim's ex-husband, 25-year-old Hawthorne native Zarbab Ali, as the primary suspect, according to People Magazine. Simi Valley police said in connection with the homicide, Ali was arrested on Sunday afternoon in Victorville, in his parent's house.

It is still unclear if he has an attorney. According to Ventura County Jail records, Ali was being held on a charge of felony murder with the bail set at $510,000. The jail records listed math teacher as the suspect's occupation.

Rachel Castillo leaves behind two children

The police said their investigation had evolved rapidly over the past few days. They stated they could not release further details as the case was still being investigated. The Simi Valley Police Department said it would give additional information related to Castillo's case when available.

Local police issued a statement earlier Sunday, saying that a significant amount of blood was left at the scene following the disappearance of Castillo. They said that Castillo's whereabouts were unknown at the time, and given the circumstances, it was believed that she was at risk.

Castillo's family told ABC affiliate KABC that the 25-year-old had two kids, and she had lived with her sister just miles away from their parents. Her family said that Castillo had dropped off her kids to their dad on Thursday morning before she disappeared.

Castillo's sister, Emily, told the local station that when she returned home on Thursday night, she realized something was wrong as soon as she saw the blood. She called her mom to let her come over and immediately called 911.

Relatives mourning the loss of Castillo

Her family said that many of Castillo's belongings, including her keys, car, and phone, were still at home. Her mom, Robyn, spoke with CNN on Saturday before her daughter's body was discovered. She described Castillo as a great mom to her sons, aged 5 and 2. Robyn added that she was also a good daughter, a good sister, and a good friend.

Robyn said Rachel had been studying to become a marriage and family therapist, adding her daughter had loved to help people and get them the resources they needed. The worried mom said that it had been very difficult, and they were taking it day by day and moment by moment and helping the police as much as they could.

Robyn's worst fears had come true, with her daughter confirmed to have been brutally murdered.