The arrest of Aliya Fakhri, sister of actress Nargis Fakhri, has sent shockwaves through the public. Aliya was taken into custody on November 26, 2024, and indicted the following day on multiple charges, including the alleged murder of her former boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, and his friend, Anastasia Ettienne.
The chilling incident took place in Queens, New York, and has since drawn significant media attention. Aliya now faces grave charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment.
This tragic case extends beyond criminal allegations, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of family relationships, rejection, and unresolved emotional struggles.
Alleged Crime
Prosecutors claim that Aliya Fakhri, 43, deliberately set fire to the detached garage of her ex-boyfriend’s home in Queens on November 23, 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of Edward Jacobs, 35, and Anastasia Ettienne, 33. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 6:20 a.m., when Aliya allegedly shouted, “You’re all going to die today,” before igniting the blaze. The fire rapidly consumed the garage, leading to the fatalities.
Authorities believe the act was motivated by Aliya’s rejection by Jacobs. The two had ended their relationship about a year earlier, and Jacobs had reportedly made it clear he wanted no further contact with her. This refusal to reconcile is thought to have driven Aliya to commit the violent act. The emotional turmoil following the breakup is said to have been a key factor in her actions.
The Victims
Edward Jacobs, a father of three, had been working to move on from his relationship with Aliya Fakhri, but her inability to accept the breakup reportedly caused significant emotional strain. Jacobs’ mother shared with the media that her son had made numerous efforts to distance himself from Aliya, who persisted in her attempts to reconnect. She described the situation as one marked by Aliya’s struggle to cope with rejection, a common but deeply challenging aspect of many emotionally charged breakups.
Must Read: Disney Channel Shutting Down: In Which Countries And Why?
Anastasia Ettienne, a close friend of Jacobs, also became a victim of this tragic incident. Despite speculation, reports confirm that Jacobs and Ettienne were not romantically involved. Ettienne’s death, alongside Jacobs’, underscores the senseless nature of the crime and its devastating impact on both families.
Family Background
Aliya Fakhri, 43, is a few years younger than her well-known sister, Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Aliya comes from a family with rich cultural roots. Her father, Mohammed Fakhri, is of Pakistani origin, while her mother, Marie Fakhri, has Czech heritage.
The Fakhri family’s history includes the divorce of Aliya and Nargis’ parents during their childhood, a significant event that shaped the sisters’ early lives. This separation, and the emotional challenges it brought, may have contributed to Aliya’s later personal struggles.
Relations with sister Nargis
Interestingly, Nargis Fakhri, known for her roles in films like ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Housefull 3’, has reportedly been estranged from her sister Aliya for over two decades. Sources close to the actress reveal that Nargis was unaware of Aliya’s troubles until news of the arrest surfaced in the media. The long-standing estrangement between the sisters underscores the emotional and physical distance in their relationship, which this tragic incident has only brought into sharper focus.
Currently, Nargis is busy wrapping up the final schedule of ‘Housefull 5’ and has chosen not to comment on the situation. According to reports, the actress was deeply shocked by the news, marking the first time in years that she had heard anything about her sister.
Legal Proceedings
Aliya Fakhri has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and arson. These serious charges carry the potential for a life sentence if she is convicted. Aliya has been denied bail, and her case is currently being processed in court. Her next court appearance is set for December 9, 2024.
The Defense
While the prosecution presents a case of premeditated murder, Aliya’s family has offered a contrasting perspective. Aliya’s mother, Marie Fakhri, has publicly defended her daughter, expressing disbelief that Aliya could commit such an act. Marie described her daughter as a compassionate person who would never intentionally harm anyone. However, this defense stands in stark contrast to the severe charges levied against Aliya, and the case is expected to develop further as more details come to light.
Also Read: Kate Winslet Shares Harrowing Body Shaming Experience After ‘Titanic’
