The human remains found in a remote California location are those of a mother who went missing Thursday after a “significant amount of blood” was found in her home, authorities say.
In a news release, the Simi Valley Police Department said the remains of Rachel Castillo, 25, were discovered in Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County, and her ex-husband has since been taken into custody.
Castillo was reported missing Nov. 10 by her sister, who had arrived home at the residence they shared and “found evidence of a struggle inside,” according to Simi Valley police. Castillo was missing, but her personal belongings — including her cell phone and car keys — were still in the apartment, police said.
“Based on evidence at the scene, officers suspected a crime involving serious injury had occurred,” the statement said. “Detectives have been working continuously since then to locate Rachel and develop leads in the case.”
Castillo’s ex-husband, Zarbab Ali of Hawthorne, Calif., is the prime suspect in the case, police said. After the Antelope Valley remains were identified as Castillo’s, Ali was arrested Sunday afternoon at his parents’ home in Victorville in connection with her homicide, they said.
It is unclear if Ali has an attorney at this time.
Rachel’s mother, Robin Castillo, spoke to CNN on Saturday before Rachel’s body was discovered. Robyn described her daughter – who has sons aged 5 and 2 – as “a really great mum to her sons, a good daughter, a good sister and a good friend”.
Rachel was studying to become a marriage and family therapist, her mother said. He added that Rachel loves helping people and providing them with the resources they need.
“It’s been very difficult, we’re just taking it day by day and moment by moment and helping the police as much as we can,” Robin said.
