Asif Quereshi, Long Island Software Engineer, Charged With Murder After Wife Aleena Asif Found Dead With Chemical Burns — Allegedly Waited for Kids to Leave Before Attack

A 53-year-old Long Island man has been arrested and charged with murder after his estranged wife, Aleena Asif, was found dead with chemical burns to her face inside her home earlier this month. Authorities allege the suspect waited for the couple’s children to leave for school before carrying out the fatal attack.

According to the Nassau County Police Department, officers discovered 46-year-old Aleena Asif dead inside her residence on October 17. Her husband, Asif Quereshi, an unemployed software engineer, has since been charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.

Estranged Husband Allegedly Waited for Kids to Leave Before Killing Wife

Investigators say Asif and Quereshi were in the process of divorcing after a volatile marriage marked by alleged stalking and threats. On the morning of October 17, police believe Quereshi broke into his estranged wife’s home and hid inside until their three children left for school.

Aleena Asif.

 

Asif Quereshi.

He then allegedly attacked Asif, killing her through asphyxiation using an unknown chemical substance, which also caused severe burns to her face.

The tragedy came to light later that day when Asif’s 18-year-old child called police after noticing that their 7-year-old sibling hadn’t been picked up as planned. Responding officers found Asif’s body inside the home.

Prior Police Reports and Threats

According to Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick, the victim had contacted police on four separate occasions expressing fear for her safety in the weeks leading up to her death. She reportedly told officers that Quereshi had been stalking her and had once threatened to make her swallow bleach.

The 53-year-old unemployed software engineer is suspected of using a 'cyanide-like compound' to murder his estranged wife

“He refused to accept those divorce papers and started showing up at her house,” Fitzpatrick told CBS News, describing a disturbing escalation of harassment before the murder.

Community in Shock

The gruesome nature of the killing has shaken the Long Island community. A family member described Aleena Asif as a devoted mother and hardworking woman who “didn’t deserve this kind of death.”

“She was a very beautiful human being and very hardworking,” the family member told CBS News. “She didn’t deserve this.”

Legal Proceedings

Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show that Quereshi has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. His attorney has not yet commented publicly on the case.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with Nassau County police continuing to gather forensic evidence and witness statements.

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