A mother of three endured serious facial burns after her estranged husband allegedly killed her using a cyanide-like chemical at their Long Island residence just days after she filed for divorce, according to police.
Alina Asif, 46, a certified public accountant, was discovered unconscious and not breathing with significant burns on October 17 in her Helix home. Police believe her husband had been stalking her for several days, seeking the right moment to attack.
Asif Qureshi, 53, was arrested later that day at his home in Belrose, Queens, and faces charges for his wife’s murder. Reports indicate that she had served him with divorce papers the previous week.
Witnesses shared that Asif had returned from dropping their 7-year-old daughter at school when Qureshi allegedly assaulted her while she was alone at home.
Hours later, their eldest daughter, 18, called for a welfare check after her mother did not arrive to pick up her younger sister after school.
According to reports, the coroner ruled Asif’s death as a result of asphyxiation due to an unidentified chemical, suspected to be cyanide-based.
“On that day, he waited for the perfect opportunity,” stated a representative from Nassau Police. “He attacked shortly after she left the children for school.”
Qureshi had refused to accept the divorce papers delivered on October 9 and made several visits to Asif’s home afterward.
Asif had initiated divorce proceedings previously in 2023, reconciled in 2024, but filed again this year.
Qureshi, an American citizen originally from Pakistan, is charged with second-degree murder, though prosecutors are seeking to elevate the charge to first-degree murder.
A judge issued a no-bail order for him during a recent hearing.
Fitzpatrick noted that Qureshi had a history of domestic incidents involving his wife, although specific details have been sealed. Police responded to five such incidents, four involving Asif and one linked to their 18-year-old daughter.
Most arguments appeared to center around finances, but there was a troubling incident where Qureshi allegedly told Asif, “Swallow the bleach,” according to reports.
The couple’s three children—an 18-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, and a 7-year-old daughter—are currently residing with other family members.
