Actress Nargis Fakhri’s Sister Aliya Arrested For New York Double Murder
New York, US: Aliya Fakhri, sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested on charges of killing her ex-boyfriend and his friend in Queens, New York. The 43-year-old allegedly set a two-story garage on fire, resulting in the death of Edward Jacobs (35) and Anastasia Ettiene (33).
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Aliya has been indicted on murder in the first degree and related charges.
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Katz told the media that the victims died from smoke inhalation and burns as they were trapped with no way of escaping due to the fire.
According to authorities, on November 2, Aliyah arrived at the two-storey detached garage around 6:20 am. She shouted at her former boyfriend Jacobs, “You’re all going to die today.”
A witness came out hearing her yelling and found the building on fire, said DA Katz. When Ettiene was alerted about the fire, she attempted to save Jacobs, who was asleep. “The building became engulfed with flames, and neither Jacobs nor Ettienne could escape,” Katz told the media.
Aliya was remanded on November 27 after being indicted by a grand jury. Aliya faces four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and one count each of first- and second-degree arson. If convicted of the most serious charge, she potentially faces a life sentence.
Her next court hearing is scheduled for December 9.
A witness recalled smelling a sweet burning odour and found the couch on the stairs on fire. They jumped over the fire to escape; however, Ettiene went back to save Jacobs. The witness stated that Jacobs and Aliya had an abusive relationship where she had previously threatened to burn Jacobs’ home down.
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The two had broken up a year ago, but Aliya reportedly couldn’t handle the rejection, Jacobs’ mother Janet told the New York Post. Jacobs worked as a plumber and was in the middle of a project to convert the garage into an apartment.
Meanwhile, Aliya’s mother said she couldn’t believe her daughter could murder someone. As per several media reports, Aliya had struggled with opioid addiction after a dental mishap, which may have led to her behaviour, her mother said.
Her sister, Nargis Fakhri, best known for starring alongside Ranbir Kapoor in the Imtiaz Ali directorial and cult classic Rockstar, is yet to comment on the matter.
