Hunter
01/26/25
After a series of delays, a new trial date has been set in the case of a former University of Iowa student who allegedly robbed and tried to strangle a woman on campus and fled the country to avoid prosecution.
On April 25th, 2022, University of Iowa Police received a call about an unconscious female outside Art Building West. Ali Younes, who is now 21, and the victim were seen on video walking opposite directions from each other on the IMU footbridge. The video allegedly showed Younes turning around and following the woman. Younes is accused of grabbing the woman from behind and tackling her to the ground. He then is seen turning her over and using both hands to strangle her to unconsciousness. While in that state, Younes allegedly removed the woman’s earrings, which are valued at $20,000.
Witnesses interrupted Younes, who claimed that the victim was walking and then passed out. He fled and was arrested at his girlfriend’s house the next day in possession of the stolen earrings.
After a hearing reduced his bond in May, Younes posted bond the next month and was ordered to home confinement under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. The following May, Younes cut off his ankle monitor and fled to Jordan with help from his parents. He voluntarily returned to the U.S. after University of Iowa PD and the U.S. Embassy in Jordan negotiated a voluntary surrender in August 2024.
Younes has been in the Linn County Jail awaiting trial since September.
A trial was set to begin on February 4th, but a continuance was granted earlier this month. On Thursday, Judge Lars Anderson set a Case Management Conference for February 28th and trial on April 1st.
Younes faces up to sixty years in prison if convicted on Attempted Murder, 1st degree Robbery and 1st degree Theft charges.