Anastasia Ettienne, 33, tragically lost her life in a horrific fire that claimed the life of her boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, 35, in Jamaica, Queens.
The blaze, allegedly set by Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend, Aliya Fakhri, 43, occurred in the early hours of Nov. 26, when Ettienne showed incredible courage by rushing back into a burning building in an attempt to save her partner.
Fakhri, the sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, is accused of intentionally setting the fire after confronting her ex-boyfriend, Jacobs, with the chilling words:
“You’re all going to die today.”
The fire quickly consumed the detached garage where Jacobs and Ettienne were staying.
A Heroic Effort
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Ettienne, realizing the building was ablaze, dashed downstairs, only to rush back upstairs moments later in a desperate bid to rescue Jacobs, who had been sleeping on the second floor.
Tragically, the flames spread too quickly, trapping both Ettienne and Jacobs inside.
Despite her valiant attempt to save him, both victims succumbed to the smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
In the wake of the tragedy, District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed deep sympathy, stating:
“This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno.”
Jacobs’ Family Speaks Out
Jacobs, a devoted father of three young children, had reportedly broken up with Fakhri over a year ago. His mother, Janet Jacobs, told The New York Post that her son had been trying to move on, but Fakhri’s refusal to accept the breakup had caused increasing tension in their lives.
“He’s been trying to tell her to leave him alone for the past year, but she wasn’t accepting the rejection,” Janet explained.
Despite the difficult situation, it was Ettienne’s final act of selflessness that has been remembered by friends and family. She risked everything to try to help the man she loved, making the ultimate sacrifice in her effort to save him.
Fakhri’s Indictment
Aliya Fakhri, who faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson, is accused of deliberately setting the fire that claimed both Jacobs’ and Ettienne’s lives.
She was arrested shortly after the blaze and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Fakhri is currently being held at Rikers Island as she awaits her court date on December 9. If convicted of the most serious charges, she faces a life sentence.
A Sister’s Heartbreak
While Fakhri’s defense has claimed she was not responsible for the fire, her family is still grappling with the weight of the situation. Her mother told The New York Daily News that she couldn’t believe her daughter would be involved in such an act.
“She was a person who was caring for everybody,” Fakhri’s mother said.
Community Remembers Ettienne’s Courage
The tragic loss of Anastasia Ettienne has left a hole in the hearts of her family and friends. Known for her kindness and loyalty, Ettienne will be remembered as a woman who demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the face of danger.
Her final act of love and devotion to Jacobs, as she rushed back into a burning building to try to save him, has left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
