Case Overview
Asif Qureshi, 53, faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of first-degree burglary for allegedly killing his estranged wife, Aleena Asif, 46, by poisoning her with cyanide on October 17, 2025, in their Herricks, Long Island home. He entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment in early January 2026 and remains detained without bail at Nassau County Correctional Center. His next court date is February 18, 2026, with a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.​
Incident Details
Qureshi allegedly entered the Larch Drive residence disguised in a hooded jacket, cap, gloves, and mask while Aleena dropped their children at school. He hid until she returned alone around 9 a.m., then reportedly held cyanide over her mouth, causing asphyxiation and burns detected in the autopsy. Surveillance footage captured him casing the home a week prior, fleeing on an electric scooter afterward, and appearing unmasked nearby.​
Investigation Evidence
Police linked Qureshi through videos from a 7-Eleven, bus stop, and the scooter location, plus items like matching gloves and bags found at his residence. Aleena had reported prior stalking and threats, including one to force her to swallow bleach, after seeking divorce. The medical examiner confirmed cyanide as the cause, ruling it homicide.​
Prosecutor Statement
Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly described the act as turning a sanctuary into a “house of horrors,” noting Qureshi waited for Aleena to be alone before the attack. Qureshi’s defense maintains his innocence, calling prior statements self-serving.​
