NEW YORK, NY – A Queens man is facing multiple murder charges after allegedly killing his wife in what prosecutors describe as a brutal domestic attack last November. Authorities say Jose Lequerica, 50, severely beat his 48-year-old wife, Asli Ak, inside their Jackson Heights home, ultimately causing fatal injuries to her brain.
Lequerica was taken into custody Tuesday at the couple’s 34th Avenue apartment and later appeared before Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis, where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. He remains held without bail and is scheduled to return to court in August.
Investigators say the assault occurred on the night of Nov. 15, 2024, when Lequerica allegedly struck Ak multiple times in their bedroom, targeting her face, head, and body. The attack left Ak with extensive injuries that would prove fatal, officials reported.
Following the alleged beating, Lequerica is said to have left the apartment for approximately two hours before returning and going to sleep on the couch, without checking on Ak’s condition. Authorities allege he discovered his wife unconscious on the bedroom floor the next morning at around 10:45 a.m., but did not seek immediate medical assistance.
Instead, prosecutors allege, Lequerica waited more than seven hours before dialing 911. Emergency responders arrived at approximately 6:22 p.m. and transported Ak to Elmhurst Hospital. Medical staff documented significant bruising to the victim’s face, head, and body, and Ak never regained consciousness.
Ak was declared brain-dead on Nov. 20, and the city’s medical examiner determined her death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head, ruling it a homicide. An autopsy reportedly showed a hematoma and swelling so severe that it crushed her brain stem.
Lequerica’s indictment highlights longstanding concerns regarding domestic violence in the community. Officials noted the delay in seeking help likely contributed to the tragic outcome and stressed the importance of available support resources for those in abusive situations.
A statement from the district attorney expressed deep concern for the frequency and severity of domestic violence incidents, while sending condolences to friends and relatives of the victim. The district attorney urged anyone experiencing domestic danger to seek help.
Ak’s family has memorialized her through an online fundraising campaign, recalling her as a devoted teacher, nanny, and real estate broker. Family members said she left a lasting impact on many and described her death as a profound loss to all who knew and loved her.
As the case moves forward, Lequerica will face the court again on Aug. 12. If convicted, he could face decades in prison. The investigation remains ongoing as legal proceedings continue.