Aliya Fakhri, sister of actress Nargis Fakhri, has been formally charged with homicide concerning a deadly blaze at her former partner’s residence in New York City, USA.
Authorities claim that Aliya, 43, deliberately ignited a fire in the separate garage of a residence in Queens on November 23, resulting in the deaths of her former partner, Edward Jacobs, 35 and his acquaintance, Anastasia Ettienne, 33.
Prosecutors assert that the accused turned to setting the fire after Jacobs rejected her efforts to restore their relationship.
The suspect is facing four charges of first-degree murder, four charges of second-degree murder and arson. According to the Queens District Attorney’s office, her next court date is set for December 9.
Officials state that the culprit reached the location at approximately 6:20 am and was heard yelling, “You’re all going to die today,” before starting the blaze.
Ettienne tried to save Jacobs, who was asleep, from the flames. Both victims died from smoke inhalation and severe burns, authorities reported.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “This defendant ruthlessly took the lives of two individuals by starting a fire that trapped a man and a woman in a devastating fire.”
Jacobs’ mother, Janet, told the media that her son had ended his relationship with the offender over a year ago and had been attempting to sever ties with her.
“He’s been asking her to leave him alone for the past year, but she refused to accept his rejection,” she said.
However, Fakhri’s mother has expressed shock at her daughter’s alleged involvement in the deadly fire. “I don’t believe she would kill anyone,” she told a section of media. “She was someone who cared for everyone.”
She is currently incarcerated at Rikers Island, the largest correctional facility in New York City and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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