FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
University of Iowa Police Department
Johnson County Attorney’s Office
Ali Younes returns to the United States to face trial for attempted murder
Younes is awaiting extradition to Iowa, where he will face additional charges
AUG. 27, 2024
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Following a self-surrender process facilitated by the University of Iowa Police Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, Ali Younes has voluntarily returned to the United States where he will face trial for an incident in which he is accused of robbing and strangling a person in Iowa City in April 2022.
Younes – who was originally scheduled to be tried for attempted murder, robbery in the 1st degree, and theft in the 1st degree on May 16, 2023, in district court – used Jordanian travel documents to flee the country on May 6, 2023, after cutting off his ankle monitor. His parents, Alfred Younes and Lima Younes, were subsequently charged and convicted in aiding and abetting his escape.
Younes arrived in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, Aug. 27 and was taken into custody without incident. He will be held pending a hearing on his extradition to Iowa, at which point bond conditions will be set, and a trial date will be determined. Younes now faces an additional charge of escape by a felon, a class D felony.
“The successful return of Mr. Younes demonstrates our commitment to working with our international partners to ensure justice for the victim in this case,” says Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith.
The University of Iowa Police Department established and maintained an open line of communication with Younes following his arrival in Jordan, and successfully facilitated his voluntary return with assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Jordan.
“I would like to thank Det. Ian Mallory and our entire investigations team for their unwavering dedication to supporting victims of crime and refusal to give up on this case,” says UI Police Chief Lucy Wiederholt. “Their tireless work highlights their commitment to making our community a safer place.”
The University of Iowa Police Department and Johnson County Attorney’s Office would like to thank the U.S. Embassy Overseas Criminal Investigations Unit in Jordan, who assisted in coordinating with American Citizens Services, airlines, and other security authorities. Their work was critical to facilitating the successful voluntary return of Younes to the United States.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
CONTACT
Hayley Bruce, PIO, University of Iowa Police Department, 319-384-0072