Nargis Fakhri
| Photo Credit: SREENIVASA MURTHY V
Aliya Fakhri, sister of Bollywood actor Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested in New York for allegedly setting fire to a garage, resulting in the deaths of her ex-boyfriend Edward Jacobs (35) and his friend Anastasia Ettienne (33). The incident occurred in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens on November 2.
According to a statement from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Aliya Fakhri, 43, arrived at the detached garage early in the morning and shouted, “You’re all going to die today,” before setting the structure ablaze. Jacobs, who lived above the garage, was asleep when the fire broke out. Ettienne attempted to save him but was unable to escape the flames. Both victims succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
Fakhri has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and arson in both the first and second degrees. If convicted on the top charge, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
District Attorney Katz stated, “This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno. Our condolences are with the families of Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Ettienne as we prosecute this case.”
Fakhri’s mother has expressed disbelief over the allegations, describing her daughter as a compassionate person who always tried to help others. She revealed that Aliya had battled opioid addiction following a dental injury, which she believes may have influenced her behavior.
Published – December 03, 2024 11:07 am IST
