For Immediate Release
Johnson County Attorney’s Office Files Rebuttal, Awaits Judgement in Younes Case
August 21, 2025 (JOHNSON COUNTY, IA) – The Johnson County Attorney’s Office has filed the State of Iowa’s rebuttal in response to the Defendant’s closing argument in the trial of Ali Younes, who is charged with Robbery in the 1st Degree – Inflict or Attempt Serious Injury, a Class B Felony; Theft in the 1st Degree – Over $10,000, a Class C Felony; and Attempt to Commit Murder, a Class B Felony. These charges stem from an incident in April 2022 where Younes allegedly attacked a woman at the Art Building West on the University of Iowa campus after dark, strangled her until she was unconscious, and stole her earrings valued at $20,000.
The non-jury trial for this case took place in July 2025, with District Judge Kevin McKeever presiding. Now that the State of Iowa has filed their rebuttal, a decision from Judge McKeever will determine whether or not Younes is convicted of any of the charges. If convicted, Younes faces potential sentences of up to 25 years for each count of a Class B Felony, and up to 10 years for the Class C Felony charge. Younes also has a related pending case regarding charges of Escape from Custody – Felon, a Class D Felony; and Flight to Avoid Prosecution, a Class D Felony. Each of those charges carry a potential sentence of up to 5 years.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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