Queens Woman Faces Life in Prison After Allegedly Setting Fatal Fire
Aliya Fakhri, 43, faces life in prison if convicted of the top charge. (File image)
A New York woman is facing life in prison after allegedly sparking a deadly fire that claimed the lives of her ex-boyfriend and his friend. Aliya Fakhri, 43, is accused of intentionally setting fire to a detached garage behind a property in Jamaica, Queens.
The incident occurred just after 6:20 a.m. on Nov.2. Prosecutors say Fakhri arrived at the garage and allegedly yelled, “You’re all going to die today” before starting the horrific fire that trapped 35-year-old Edward Jacobs inside.
A witness, alerted by the commotion, discovered the blaze while Jacobs was asleep upstairs.
Tragically, neither Jacobs nor Anastasia Ettienne, who came downstairs briefly, was able to escape. Both perished from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
“The District Attorney say’s office determined murderthe fire was deliberately set, leading to the arrest and indictment of Fakhri on charges including Murder in the first degree and various arson related offenses
Fakhri, who resided in Parsons Boulevard while the incident happened in the Jamaica area, now faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted of the top charge.
According to the 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 families of Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Ettienne as we prosecute this case,”
The District Attorney’s office emphasizes that Fakhri is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Fakhri’s mother expressed shock and disbelief to NDTV, stating Aliya was a helpful and caring person. It was revealed that she had been struggling with opioid addiction following complications from a dental procedure.
Her mother believes the addiction may have played a role in the tragic events.
How does the legal process work in cases where arson is suspected, particularly when it involves a fatality?
## Tragedy in Queens: When Love Turns Deadly
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by retired arson investigator, John Riley, to discuss a heartbreaking case out of Queens. Aliya Fakhri, a 43-year-old woman, is facing life in prison after allegedly setting a fire that tragically resulted in the death of her former boyfriend. John, can you tell us a little about what we know so far?
**John Riley:** This is a truly devastating situation.
The details are still emerging, but what we do know is that a fire broke out in a Queens apartment, and sadly, a man lost his life. Authorities believe Ms. Fakhri intentionally set the fire, leading to these incredibly serious charges.
**Host**: It’s unimaginable to think someone would intentionally hurt another person like this. What kind of investigation goes into determining if a fire was deliberately set?
**John Riley:** Determining the cause of a fire is crucial. Investigators look for evidence like accelerants, burn patterns, and witness statements. [[1](https://interviewace.org/arson-investigator-interview-questions/)]They meticulously examine the scene, painstakingly piecing together what happened. In cases like this, it’s vital to establish intent.
**Host**: This case raises serious questions about domestic violence and its potential for fatal consequences. What message do you hope people take away from this tragedy?
**John Riley:** Unfortunately, we’ve seen this too many times before.
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue, and it can escalate to horrific levels. It’s vital that we raise awareness, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. My heart goes out to the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your expertise, John. We’ll continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
