Who Is Aliya Fakhri? Nargis Fakhri's Sister Arrested For Alleged Murders

Actor Nargis Fakhri's sister, Aliya Fakhri, has reportedly been arrested in connection with the deaths of her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, and his friend, Anastasia Ettienne, in New York's Queens. The tragic incident occurred last month (November 2024)  when a fire engulfed the detached garage of a house in the Jamaica area, reportedly set deliberately by Aliya.

Who Is Aliya Fakhri? Nargis Fakhri's Sister Arrested For Alleged Murders In NY

Aliya, 43, now faces charges that could lead to a maximum sentence of life in prison. According to the Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Aliya was indicted on four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and charges of arson.

"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. The victims tragically died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Our condolences are with the families of Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Ettienne as we prosecute this case,” said District Attorney Katz.

Details of the Incident

According to the investigation, the incident occurred early in the morning on November 2. Aliya reportedly arrived at the garage where Jacobs was living and yelled, "You're all going to die today." Shortly after, the garage was set on fire.

A witness inside the property heard the commotion and discovered the building was ablaze. Jacobs' friend, Ettienne, went upstairs to try and rescue him, but both victims succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. The tragic deaths have shocked the community, with authorities describing the act as deliberate and malicious.

Aliya Fakhri’s mother expressed disbelief over the accusations, describing Aliya as someone who cared deeply for others. "She was a person who cared for and tried to help everyone," her mother said, according to a report by NDTV. Her mother also revealed that Aliya had struggled with opioid addiction following a dental mishap, which she believes could have influenced her behaviour.

The legal proceedings will determine Aliya’s fate, with life imprisonment as the potential maximum sentence if convicted.