Nargis Fakhri's Sister Aliya Arrested in Tragic Arson Case, Shockwaves in New York
Nargis Fakhri's Sister Aliya Arrested in Tragic Arson Case, Shockwaves in New York
Nargis Fakhri's sister Aliya arrested for killing ex-boyfriend by setting garage on fire in New York
Aliya Fakhri, reportedly the sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested in New York in connection with a devastating arson case that resulted in the deaths of two people. The incident took place in a detached garage in Queens on November 2, 2024. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Nargis Fakhri allegedly set the fire deliberately, targeting her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, aged 35, and another woman, 33-year-old Anastasia Ettienne. Both victims were trapped inside the garage as the fire quickly engulfed the structure, leading to their tragic deaths from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
The indictment against Nargis Fakhri includes multiple charges: first- and second-degree murder, as well as first- and second-degree arson. Prosecutors allege that Nargis Fakhri arrived at the scene in the early hours of the morning and made a chilling declaration, shouting, "You’re all going to die today," before setting the fire near the garage's entrance. This left Jacobs and Ettienne with no viable means of escape. A witness who was present at the time reportedly discovered the fire and attempted to intervene but was unable to prevent the tragedy.
This shocking case has sent ripples through the local community and beyond, drawing widespread media attention not only because of its grim nature but also due to Fakhri's connection to her well-known sibling. Nargis Fakhri, a Bollywood actress with a significant international following, has not publicly commented on the situation. The link between the siblings has amplified the case’s prominence, with many expressing disbelief that someone connected to a figure of public admiration could be involved in such a horrific act.
The victims of the fire, Jacobs and Ettienne, were reportedly in a relationship and residing in the garage, which had been converted into a livable space. According to law enforcement sources, Jacobs was asleep when the fire started, and Ettienne initially attempted to flee but returned upstairs in an effort to save him. Tragically, neither survived the inferno. The medical examiner’s office later confirmed that both died as a result of smoke inhalation and severe burns.
The investigation into the incident was swift, with fire department officials and police detectives piecing together the evidence that led to Fakhri’s arrest. Surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and forensic evidence reportedly played a critical role in building the case against her. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Fakhri’s actions were premeditated, and her intent to harm was clear from her statements and actions leading up to the fire.
At her arraignment on November 27, 2024,Nargis Fakhri pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is currently being held without bail and faces a potential life sentence if convicted on the most serious charges. Nargis defense team has yet to outline their strategy, but they are expected to argue that there is more to the story than what has been presented by the prosecution. Meanwhile, the court has set December 9 as the next date for proceedings, where further evidence will be reviewed.
The case has not only captured headlines but has also reignited debates about domestic violence, mental health, and the legal system's handling of arson cases. Some commentators have speculated that the incident may have been rooted in a tumultuous relationship between Fakhri and Jacobs. Others have raised questions about whether early intervention or support services could have prevented the escalation to such a tragic outcome.
Neighbors and acquaintances of the victims have described Jacobs and Ettienne as a quiet couple who largely kept to themselves. They expressed shock and sadness over the loss, with one neighbor recalling how they occasionally saw the couple together outside the garage. Candlelight vigils have been held in the community to honor their memory, with local leaders urging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of one another in times of personal crisis.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. "As alleged in this indictment, this defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno," Katz said. She extended condolences to the victims' families and vowed to pursue justice vigorously.
