Software Engineer Arrested After Wife is Found Dead with Chemical Burns to Face

Authorities in New York have arrested a 53-year-old man accused of killing his estranged wife in a horrifying attack inside her Long Island home.

Police say 46-year-old Aleena Asif was discovered dead on October 17 in her Nassau County residence with severe chemical burns on her face. Her husband, Asif Quereshi, was later arrested and charged in connection with her death.

Investigators told reporters that Asif, a mother of three, had been in the process of divorcing Quereshi. On the morning of the attack, he allegedly broke into her home and waited until their children left for school before confronting her.

Later that day, police were called after one of the couple’s older children became concerned that their 7-year-old sibling had not been picked up from school. When officers arrived at the home, they found Aleena dead. Detectives say Quereshi also died at the scene from asphyxiation caused by an unknown chemical substance.

Family members described Aleena as a kind, hardworking woman who was deeply loved by her community. “She was a very beautiful human being and very hard working,” one relative told CBS News. “She didn’t deserve this kind of death.”

Authorities allege that the couple’s relationship had been volatile for some time, and that Quereshi had been stalking Aleena in the weeks leading up to the murder. Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said she had contacted police four times expressing fear for her safety. On one occasion, Quereshi allegedly threatened to force her to swallow bleach.

Court records show Quereshi, an unemployed software engineer, has been charged with second-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney has not responded to requests for comment.

This tragedy has shaken the local community and renewed calls for stronger protections for victims of domestic violence.