Photo: University of Iowa Police Department
(Iowa City, IA) -- A story of a former University of Iowa student, wanted by police is now in custody. Ali Younes was charged with robbing and strangling a person in 2022. Investigators say he cut off his ankle monitor and his parents, helped their son leave the US, traveling to Jordan. Younes arrived in Chicago today (Tuesday), 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.
His parents were charged and convicted of aiding and abetting.
“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 worked with the U.S. Embassy Overseas Criminal Investigations Unit in Jordan, who assisted in coordinating with American Citizens Services, airlines, and other security authorities.