A Bollywood actress’s sister has been charged in connection with a tragic fire that resulted in the deaths of her ex-boyfriend and another woman. The incident allegedly occurred after she tried to revive their past relationship, which he had rejected.
Aliya Fakhri, 43, from Queens, New York, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. According to prosecutors, she supposedly set a fire in the detached garage of a home in Jamaica, Queens, which led to the deaths of Edward Jacobs, 35, and Anastasia Ettienne, 33.
Fakhri is the sister of Nargis Fakhri, a well-known actress in Indian cinema, who gained recognition in the 2015 film “Spy.” Reports indicate that on the morning of the fire, Fakhri arrived at Jacobs’ home around 6:20 a.m. and shouted threats before igniting the blaze.
As the fire spread, Ettienne attempted to rescue Jacobs, who was asleep upstairs. Unfortunately, both individuals became trapped and could not escape the flames.
Fakhri was taken into custody on November 26 and was indicted shortly after on various murder charges and arson counts. If convicted of the most severe charge, she could face life in prison.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz remarked on the seriousness of the case, stating that the actions of Fakhri resulted in the tragic loss of two lives. Jacobs, a father of three young boys, had ended his relationship with Fakhri about a year prior, according to his mother, who described her son’s efforts to distance himself from Fakhri’s repeated advances.
Jacobs leaves behind twin 11-year-old sons and a 9-year-old son. Meanwhile, Fakhri’s mother has expressed disbelief regarding her daughter’s involvement in the fire, insisting she would not harm anyone.
Currently, Fakhri is being held at Rikers Island and has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 9.
