The Johnson County Attorney's Office and University of Iowa Police Department (UIPD), in cooperation with federal law enforcement authorities, confirmed today that Ali Younes, the suspect who was awaiting trial for Attempted Murder, Robbery in the 1st degree, and Theft in the 1st degree, fled to the country of Jordan on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Younes used Jordanian travel documents to board a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight, departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Younes was scheduled to go to trial for his charges on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Johnson County District Court.

Due to the diligent work of the UIPD, Younes’ parents have been arrested and charged with aiding and abetting his escape.

Younes’ father, Alfred Younes, was arrested on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, by the Omaha Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Omaha Airport Authority, while he was attempting to board a flight in Omaha, Neb., with the final destination of Amman, Jordan. He will await extradition to Johnson County, Iowa.

Younes’ mother, Lima Younes, was also arrested on a UIPD warrant on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, with the assistance of the Sioux County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office. She will await transport to Johnson County.

Both Alfred Younes and Lima Younes have been charged with Escape from Custody – Felon 719.4 (1) (Aiding and Abetting), a Class D Felony.

In June of 2022, after a contested bond review hearing, a judge granted Younes' request to modify his $350,000 bond. The judge reduced the bond and released him on several conditions, including a GPS monitor, requirements to surrender his passport, and stay with his family on house arrest in O'Brien County, Iowa, pending trial.

The Johnson County Attorney's Office was notified on Saturday, May 6, 2023, that Younes cut off the ankle monitor that was placed by the Third Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. A warrant was issued for his immediate arrest and UIPD moved quickly to engage local and federal law enforcement authorities for assistance in locating him.

“My office, along with the University of Iowa Police Department and local and federal law enforcement partners, is committed to ensuring that Younes does not escape justice,” said Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith. “We will do everything we can to hold him accountable, as well as those who assisted him in fleeing the country.”

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.