Aliya Fakhri - the 43-year-old sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri - has been arrested in connection with the brutal murders of her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, and his friend, Anastasia Ettienne, in Queens, New York.
The incident occurred on the morning of November 2, when Aliya allegedly arrived at a two-story garage where Jacobs and Ettienne were sleeping. According to authorities, she shouted, "You’re all going to die today," before setting the building on fire.
A witness reported hearing the threat and discovering the garage engulfed in flames moments later. Ettienne, alerted by the fire, ran downstairs but returned upstairs to warn Jacobs, who was still asleep. Both victims tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries as they were unable to escape in time.
Aliya Fakhri, who is facing charges including four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and arson, reportedly struggled with the rejection after Jacobs ended their relationship approximately a year ago.
Sources indicated that she had attempted to rekindle the relationship, but Jacobs had firmly told her that it was over.
Jacobs' mother, speaking to The New York Post, recalled her son’s rejection of Aliya, saying, "Like any other person that is being rejected, he was letting her know like ‘I’m done with you.’"
Authorities say that Aliya's actions were premeditated, as she had previously threatened to burn down Jacobs’ residence following the breakup. The case has shocked both the local community and those familiar with the family, as Nargis Fakhri, known for her roles in Rockstar and Housefull 3, has remained silent on the matter.
Aliya Fakhri's legal troubles are far from over, as she is due to return to court on December 9. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The tragedy has drawn widespread attention, not only for its horrific nature but also due to its connection to the well-known actress.
While Nargis Fakhri has not yet made a public statement regarding her sister's arrest, her mother has expressed disbelief at the allegations, asserting, “I don’t think she would be killing someone. She was a person who was caring for everybody. She tried to help everybody.”
