A 50-year-old man from New York has been indicted for the brutal killing of his wife, Asli Ak, in November 2024. Jose Lequerica, who is facing two counts of second-degree murder, allegedly beat his wife so violently that it resulted in severe head trauma, including crushing her brain stem.
The crime took place in the couple’s home in Jackson Heights, Queens, and authorities are now seeking justice for the victim.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
According to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the fatal assault occurred in the evening hours of November 15, 2024, in the couple’s bedroom. Lequerica is accused of repeatedly striking his wife in the face, head, and body. After the violent beating, he left the home for about two hours.
Upon returning, instead of seeking help for his injured wife, he chose to sleep on the couch without checking on her condition.
The following morning, Lequerica discovered his wife unconscious on the floor. Shockingly, he did not attempt to call for medical help immediately. Instead, he allegedly left her to suffer for over seven hours before finally calling 911 at 6:22 p.m.
Emergency responders arrived at the apartment and rushed Ak to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was treated for severe bruising to her face, head, and body.
Despite efforts to save her, Ak was declared brain-dead on November 20, 2024. An autopsy revealed the horrific extent of her injuries, with blunt force trauma to the head causing a hematoma and crushing her brain stem, ultimately leading to her death.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Lequerica was arrested at his home in Queens on Tuesday and charged with two counts of second-degree murder. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to the charges before Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis. He is being held without bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on August 12, 2025.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the crime, emphasizing the devastating effects of domestic violence. In a statement, Katz described the defendant’s actions as “a plague in our communities that must be rooted out at the core.”
She also expressed her condolences to Ak’s family and friends, calling the incident a heartbreaking result of an often isolated and dangerous domestic situation.
A Life Cut Short
Asli Ak’s death has left a profound impact on those who knew her. A GoFundMe page set up by her brother described her as a woman who touched many lives. From her time as a teacher and nanny to her successful career in real estate, Ak’s contributions to her community were numerous.
Though her dream of owning a real estate agency was never realized, her family remembers her as someone who gave generously and touched the hearts of many.
The tragic death of Asli Ak highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and support for victims. As the legal proceedings continue, justice will be sought for Ak’s untimely and violent death.
Her family and friends are left to mourn the loss of a beloved woman, while the legal system moves forward with seeking accountability for her murder.
