Aliya Fakhri, sister of Rockstar actor Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of her ex-boyfriend Edward Jacobs, 35, and his friend Anastasia Ettienne, 33, in Queens, New York. The tragic incident occurred when Aliya, 43, allegedly set fire to a two-story garage, resulting in the deaths of the two victims.
According to District Attorney Melinda Katz, Aliya arrived at the scene early on November 2, shouting, “You’re all going to die today.” Witnesses reported hearing her voice before discovering the garage engulfed in flames.
Jacobs, who lived upstairs, was sleeping during the incident, while Ettienne initially escaped but returned to rescue Jacobs. Tragically, both succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
Aliya Fakhri has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree and second-degree murder, as well as arson. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. She is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on December 9.
“As alleged, the defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped them in a raging inferno,” said Ms. Katz.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes, including the smell of burning and flames blocking escape routes. One witness revealed that Ettienne had successfully jumped over the fire but went back inside to save Jacobs.
Jacobs’ mother, Janet, described the relationship between her son and Aliya as abusive and revealed that Aliya had previously threatened to burn down Jacobs’ home. Janet said Jacobs, a plumber, had been converting the garage into an apartment.
Aliya’s family is struggling to reconcile the allegations with her character. Their mother claimed that Aliya, who had battled opioid addiction following a dental mishap, was typically a caring and helpful person.
Nargis Fakhri, best known for her role in Rockstar alongside Ranbir Kapoor, has not commented publicly on the incident.
The tragedy has shocked the community, with the case highlighting the devastating impact of unresolved personal conflicts and addiction struggles.
