Aliya Fakhri, the 43-year-old sister of actress Nargis Fakhri, has been indicted on multiple murder charges in connection with a deadly fire at her ex-boyfriend’s home in New York City.
Prosecutors allege that Fakhri intentionally set fire to a detached garage at a residence in the Queens borough on November 23, 2024. The fire resulted in the deaths of her ex-boyfriend, 35-year-old Edward Jacobs, and his friend, 33-year-old Anastasia Ettienne.
Authorities claim that Fakhri resorted to arson after Jacobs rejected her attempts to reconcile their relationship. Fakhri faces four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and arson charges. Her next court appearance is set for December 9, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.
According to the indictment, Fakhri arrived at Jacobs’ property early in the morning at around 6:20 a.m. and was heard shouting, “You’re all going to die today,” before setting the fire. Ettienne attempted to rescue Jacobs, who was asleep at the time, but both victims died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned Fakhri’s actions, stating, “This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno.”Jacobs’ mother, Janet, told the New York Post that her son had ended his relationship with Fakhri over a year ago and had been trying to distance himself from her. “He’s been trying to tell her to leave him alone for the past year, but she wasn’t accepting the rejection,” she said.
Fakhri’s mother, however, expressed disbelief at her daughter’s alleged involvement in the tragic incident. “I don’t think she would be killing someone,” she told the New York Daily News. “She was a person who was caring for everybody.”
Fakhri is currently being held at Rikers Island and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted of the most serious charges, she could face a life sentence in prison.
