Man who fled the country after being accused of attempted murder in Iowa City returns voluntarily

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A man charged with attempted murder in Iowa City who fled the country with the help of his parents is about to return to Iowa to face trial.

Ali Younes was charged with attempted murder, robbery and theft after he robbed and strangled someone on the University of Iowa campus in April 2022, according to police.

However, in May 2023, he cut off his ankle bracelet and used Jordanian travel documents to board a flight to Jordan.

Younes' parents were found guilty and punished for helping him flee the country.

Younes voluntarily returned to the United States and landed in Chicago on Tuesday. He will be held there pending a hearing on his extradition to Iowa.

According to officials, the surrender process was assisted by the University of Iowa Police Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jordan.

“The successful return of Mr. Younes demonstrates our commitment to working with our international partners to ensure justice for the victim in this case,” said Johnson County District Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith.

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