Hunter
04/27/22
A University of Iowa student is in custody after allegedly choking a woman to unconsciousness and stealing a pair of expensive earrings she was wearing.
University of Iowa Police received a call about an unconscious female outside Art Building West Monday at approximately 10:18 pm. According to police, 18-year-old Ali Younes of Burge Hall 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. He is also reportedly seen jogging to catch up to her.
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 while he was standing over the woman’s body. He told them that she was walking and passed out, and said he was going to call police, He then reportedly ran from the scene.
The woman was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics with non-life-threatening injuries. UI Police issued a HawkAlert telling students to avoid the area, and later updated campus saying that police were still searching for the suspect.
A search warrant was served at Younes’ girlfriend’s house, where he reportedly was located with the stolen earrings. When interviewed, Younes admitted to stealing the earrings because he believed the victim was deceased.
Younes has been charged with first degree Robbery and first degree Theft. He could be sentenced to up to 35 years in prison if convicted on both counts. A HawkAlert was issued at 11:45 Tuesday morning campus-wide, indicating that Younes had been taken into custody.