A Queens man has been indicted on murder charges for the brutal killing of his wife, whom he allegedly beat so severely that he crushed her brain stem and then left her untreated for hours, authorities announced this week.
Jose Lequerica, 50, was formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the November 2024 death of his 48-year-old wife, Asli Ak. He was arrested Tuesday at the couple’s apartment on 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights and later arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis, where he pleaded not guilty.
A Brutal Assault and Delayed Help
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the fatal assault occurred on the evening of November 15, 2024, inside the couple’s home. Prosecutors say Lequerica repeatedly struck his wife in the face, head, and body during an attack in their bedroom.
After the assault, Lequerica allegedly left the home for approximately two hours. When he returned, prosecutors say, he did not check on his wife and instead went to sleep on the couch.
The following morning, around 10:45 a.m., he found Ak lying unconscious on the bedroom floor. Yet he waited more than seven hours before calling for help, finally dialing 911 at 6:22 p.m., according to officials.
Emergency responders transported Ak to Elmhurst Hospital, where doctors found extensive trauma to her face, head, and body. She never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead five days later, on November 20.
Autopsy: Death Caused by Blunt Force Trauma
An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner determined Ak’s death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. The report noted severe head injuries, including a hematoma that caused swelling and ultimately crushed her brain stem.
Lequerica is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 12.
DA Katz: “Domestic Violence Must Be Rooted Out”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the alleged crime and issued a broader warning about the dangers of domestic violence.
“The defendant is accused of intentionally killing his wife through blunt force trauma and allegedly waiting over seven hours to call 911 after finding her unconscious,” Katz said in a statement. “Domestic violence is a plague in our communities that must be rooted out at the core. Far too often, victims are made to feel isolated and alone, leading to heartbreaking results.”
She urged anyone in a dangerous domestic situation to seek help, emphasizing that resources are available.
Remembering Asli Ak
A GoFundMe page organized by Ak’s brother described her as a beloved teacher, nanny, and successful real estate broker who touched countless lives.
“Though her dream of opening her own real estate agency went unfulfilled, her contributions were generous and many,” the tribute reads. “She was lost far too soon.”
