An enraged woman screamed “Today we're all going to die'' and set fire to a garage in Queens, killing her ex-boyfriend and his female friend inside, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The father-of-three, Edward Jacobs, 35, and Anastasia Etienne, 33, were arrested after Aliya Fakhri, 43, allegedly intentionally set the fire near the entrance on November 2nd. It was reported that the person was trapped in the smoke and flames of the two-story building. Queens District Attorney's Office.
Fakhri allegedly arrived outside the detached garage of the Jamaican home at around 6:20 a.m. and continued to threaten Jacobs, who was sleeping inside.
Prosecutors said Etienne noticed the fire and ran upstairs to save Jacobs, who was sleeping. However, the garage was quickly engulfed in flames and the two were unable to escape.
Both died from smoke inhalation and burns.
Jacobs' mother, Janet, told the Post that her son broke up with Fakhri about a year ago but still pursued him.
“Like any rejected person, he was telling her, 'Oh, I'm done with you,' please stay away from me,” said the 54-year-old, who uses his last name. I didn't want to reveal it, but I said it.
“He has been asking her to leave him alone for the past year, but she has not accepted his refusal. They broke up a year ago.”
Janet said Jacobs, who was a plumber, was working on a project on the property with plans to convert the garage into apartments.
According to Janet, Jacobs and Etienne were friends, not lovers.
The father left behind 11-year-old twin boys and another 9-year-old boy.
“My son was a very dedicated person,” she said. “He was willing to give his last for someone. If you didn't have anything, he would be like, 'Okay, we'll figure it out.'”
Fakhri, of Queens, was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder and arson. If convicted of the top charges, she could face life in prison.
She was remanded to court Wednesday, with her next appearance scheduled for Dec. 9.
Queens Prosecutor Melinda Katz said in a statement: “As alleged in this indictment, this defendant maliciously ended both their lives by locking them in a violent inferno and setting them on fire.” said.
“The victim tragically died from smoke inhalation and burns. We extend our condolences to the families of Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Etienne as they prosecute this case.”
