Actress Nargis Fakhri’s Sister Aliya Arrested for Double Murder in Queens

Nargis Fakhri’s sister, Aliya Fakhri, has been arrested in Queens, New York, on charges of murdering her ex-boyfriend and his friend. The 43-year-old is accused of setting a two-story garage ablaze, resulting in the deaths of Edward Jacobs, 35, and Anastasia Ettienne, 33.

The incident occurred on the morning of November 2, when Aliya allegedly arrived at the garage, shouting, “You’re all going to die today,” at Jacobs, who lived upstairs. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, a witness heard the commotion and discovered the structure engulfed in flames.

Reports reveal that Jacobs was asleep when the fire broke out. Ettienne, alerted to the blaze, initially escaped but tragically returned to rescue Jacobs. Neither managed to survive the intense flames and smoke. The coroner confirmed that both victims succumbed to smoke inhalation and severe burns.

Aliya faces multiple charges, including four counts each of first-degree and second-degree murder, alongside arson. If convicted of the most severe charges, she could be sentenced to life imprisonment. She has been remanded in custody, with her next court appearance scheduled for December 9.

In a statement, District Attorney Katz described the act as malicious, emphasizing the devastation caused by the fire. A witness provided a harrowing account, recalling a strong burning odor and a couch ablaze on the stairs, forcing him and Ettienne to leap over the flames. Tragically, Ettienne re-entered the inferno to help Jacobs but never made it out.

Jacobs’ mother, Janet, described her son as a plumber who had been converting the garage into an apartment. She revealed that he ended his relationship with Aliya over a year ago, but Aliya allegedly struggled to accept the breakup, previously threatening to set his home on fire.

The Fakhri family remains in shock. Aliya’s mother shared that her daughter had always been a caring person and suggested her struggles with opioid addiction following a dental procedure may have influenced her behavior. Meanwhile, Nargis Fakhri, best known for her role in Rockstar, has yet to comment on the incident.