Authorities arrested Aliya Fakhri, the 43-year-old sister of actress Nargis Fakhri, for her alleged role in a tragic crime in Queens, New York. She faces first-degree murder and arson charges after reportedly setting fire to a garage on November 2, 2024. The fire trapped her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, and his friend, Anastasia “Star” Ettienne, inside, leading to their deaths. This crime, which has drawn significant media attention, is particularly notable due to Aliya’s connection to Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri. As the case unfolds, Aliya Fakhri murder charges will remain central to the legal proceedings.
The Incident: Murder, Arson, and Tragedy
At around 6:20 a.m. on November 2, Aliya reportedly arrived at Jacobs’ property on 91st Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, where the victims were staying. Eyewitnesses recall hearing her shout, “You’re all going to die today” before she set the fire. The flames quickly spread, engulfing the garage where Jacobs and Ettienne were located. Despite efforts to rescue them, the blaze left both victims trapped, and they later died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. The fire caused severe damage to the structure, and it took firefighters several hours to control it. Authorities believe that Aliya intentionally set the fire, making her actions premeditated.
The indictment accuses her of deliberately creating a dangerous situation, knowing the victims were inside. In addition to murder, Aliya faces charges of first-degree arson.The court has denied Aliya Fakhri bail due to the severity of the crime. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 9, 2024
The Victims: Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Ettienne
Edward Jacobs, 35, a father of three, had been in a relationship with Aliya for several years. However, reports suggest that the relationship ended about a year before the incident.Jacobs clearly expressed his desire to end his relationship with Aliya and repeatedly tried to distance himself from her, which fueled tensions between them.
According to Jacobs’ mother, Aliya was unable to accept the breakup, and she became increasingly aggressive toward him as he tried to move on with his life. Jacobs’ mother told reporters, “Like anyone who faces rejection, he was making it clear to her, ‘I’m done with you. Stay away from me.'” She added that Jacobs had been trying to distance himself from Aliya for the past year, but she refused to accept the rejection.
Anastasia Ettienne, the second victim, was a close friend of Jacobs. While some initial reports suggested a romantic involvement between Jacobs and Ettienne, Jacobs’ mother clarified that the two were friends and not romantically involved. Ettienne’s presence at the property during the fire was purely as a friend, and her heroic attempt to rescue Jacobs from the blaze cost her her life.
Aliya’s Troubled Past and Motive
The tragic events have raised questions about Aliya’s mental health and personal struggles. Aliya’s family, particularly her mother, has suggested that her opioid addiction may have influenced her actions. The Fakhri family’s defense highlights Aliya’s battles with substance abuse, claiming that these struggles may have clouded her judgment and contributed to her actions. However, the prosecution is focusing on the premeditated nature of the crime, which they argue shows intent and a clear disregard for the victims’ lives.
Aliya’s addiction to opioids, as well as the emotional turmoil she reportedly faced after Jacobs broke up with her, may have played a crucial role in her state of mind leading up to the crime. Jacobs’ mother expressed her belief that Aliya’s inability to accept the end of the relationship drove her to increasingly extreme actions. Still, the legal system will likely evaluate the evidence presented in the court, including witness testimonies and the specific details of Aliya’s behavior before and during the fire.
Nargis Fakhri’s Silence
Aliya’s arrest has been particularly noteworthy because of her connection to Nargis Fakhri, a popular Bollywood actress.Nargis has yet to make any public statements about her sister’s arrest.Nargis Fakhri and her sister, Aliya, have been estranged for over 20 years, with Nargis having had no contact with Aliya during this time. The actress has remained silent on the matter, leaving many to wonder how the case might affect her personal and professional life.
Nargis’ silence has sparked further speculation about the Fakhri family’s relationship. While Aliya’s mother has expressed her support for her daughter, claiming that Aliya is a kind person at heart, Nargis has stayed away from the situation. It is unclear if the actress will speak out in defense of her sister or distance herself entirely from the case. The lack of comment from Nargis Fakhri has drawn the attention of both the media and the public, especially as the case continues to unfold.
Legal Implications and Future Proceedings
Her upcoming court date on December 9, 2024, will be pivotal in determining the direction of the case. It may provide further clarity and potentially reveal new developments. Meanwhile, the families of Jacobs and Ettienne continue to grieve their loss and remain determined to see justice served. Both families are pushing for Aliya to be held accountable for the devastating crime.
The case underscores the complexities of addiction, emotional distress, and relationships. These factors will likely play a significant role in Aliya’s defense strategy. Legal and psychological experts will closely examine her struggles with opioid addiction and the emotional aftermath of her breakup to understand the possible influence on her mental state at the time of the crime.As the trial progresses, the court’s decision on Aliya Fakhri’s murder charges could establish a precedent for how the legal system addresses mental health and addiction in similar cases.
