by Long Island – A tragic domestic violence incident in Long Island has left a family in mourning after a mother of three was allegedly murdered by her estranged husband.
Authorities report that Aleena Asif, 46, a certified public accountant and mother, was killed in her Herricks home on October 17, shortly after her husband was served divorce papers.
According to Nassau County Police, Asif’s husband, Asif Qureshi, 53, allegedly attacked her with a “cyanide-like” substance, leaving her face severely burned and causing her death by asphyxiation.
The Fatal Attack
Police said the attack occurred shortly after Asif returned home from dropping off her 7-year-old daughter at school. Qureshi reportedly had been stalking her for several days, waiting for a moment when she would be alone in the house. Hours later, her 18-year-old daughter, concerned for her mother’s safety after Asif failed to pick up the youngest child, called police for a welfare check.
Authorities discovered Asif unconscious and not breathing, with severe facial burns. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Nassau Police Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick explained, “On the 17th, we have him showing up, waiting for the right opportunity, waiting for his wife to drop off the kids at school, and then assaulting her and killing her.”
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Qureshi was taken into custody later the same day at a residence in Bellrose, Queens, where he had been living. He is currently charged with second-degree murder, but prosecutors are seeking to have the charges upgraded to first-degree murder. A judge ordered that he be held without bail following a hearing.
Authorities believe Qureshi used a chemical substance with cyanide-like properties to fatally assault his estranged wife. While the exact nature of the chemical has not been publicly confirmed, police described it as highly toxic.
History of Domestic Incidents
This tragic killing is the latest in a string of domestic disputes between the couple. Qureshi has one prior arrest for a domestic incident involving his wife, though details are sealed. Police had responded to five prior domestic incidents at the Herricks home—four involving Asif and one involving their 18-year-old daughter.
According to Capt. Fitzpatrick, many of the prior disputes were financial in nature. On one occasion, Qureshi allegedly threatened to make his wife swallow bleach, highlighting a history of dangerous behavior. Despite repeated incidents, no orders of protection were issued.
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Family Background and Divorce Proceedings
The couple had a complex marital history. Asif first requested a divorce in 2023, but the couple reconciled in 2024. She filed for divorce again this year.
Qureshi was served the most recent divorce papers at his Queens residence on October 9 but refused to accept them and continued to appear outside Asif’s home in Herricks.
The couple is originally from Pakistan, though Qureshi is a U.S. citizen. The couple has three children—an 18-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, and a 7-year-old daughter—who are now staying with other relatives in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Community Shock and Reaction
The incident has left the Long Island community reeling. Domestic violence experts stress that this case illustrates the dangers of unresolved conflicts and the importance of intervention and protective measures for families in high-risk situations.
Detective Fitzpatrick’s comments underscore the gravity of domestic violence situations and the potential for escalation when threats and prior incidents are ignored.
The loss of Aleena Asif is a sobering reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help early.
For readers who want to share their thoughts, discuss domestic violence awareness, or leave messages of support for the family, visit race-day-live.com and join the conversation in the comments section.
