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Queens Man Arraigned in Alleged Cyanide Killing of Estranged Wife in Herricks

He remains jailed without bail pending a Feb. 18 court date.

Overview

  • Prosecutors say Asif Qureshi entered Aleena Asif’s Long Island home after the children left and later suffocated her with a rag soaked in cyanide.
  • The medical examiner determined she died of asphyxia from cyanide, and the district attorney said the poison seared her lungs, with possible sulfuric acid burns noted on her face.
  • Investigators cite surveillance showing Qureshi near the house and leaving on a scooter, along with convenience store video and seized items including a matching tote bag and black latex gloves.
  • Police discovered Aleena Asif dead in her bedroom after family reported she did not arrive to pick up a child from school.
  • Qureshi pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and two burglary counts, and his attorney emphasized he is presumed innocent.