Prosecutors say an elderly woman died after being run over during a robbery Saturday afternoon.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A 23-year-old Glendale man is facing a first-degree murder charge after prosecutors said he stole an elderly woman’s purse and then ran her over with a vehicle, killing her in front of her husband during a robbery over the weekend.
Authorities identified the suspect as Ali Hchaimi. Prosecutors outlined the allegations during an initial court appearance Sunday, saying the woman suffered catastrophic injuries after the encounter and later died at a hospital. The case has drawn attention because of the victim’s age, the violent circumstances surrounding the robbery, and allegations that the suspect may have targeted older residents in separate incidents.
According to investigators, the incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. Saturday near 59th Avenue and Deer Valley Road, north of Loop 101 in Glendale. Police said Hchaimi allegedly approached the victim and took her purse before fleeing in a vehicle. Prosecutors told the court that the woman became entangled in the confrontation and was struck by the suspect’s vehicle as he attempted to leave the scene. Emergency responders transported her to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
During Sunday’s hearing, prosecutors described the circumstances as especially disturbing. A prosecutor told the court that the victim’s husband witnessed the incident and watched as his wife was fatally injured. Court proceedings revealed that investigators believe the vehicle passed over the woman’s body, causing severe trauma. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s name, pending notification procedures and additional investigative steps. Detectives continue to gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence collected from the scene.
The criminal case arrives amid growing concern over crimes targeting older adults. Investigators said Hchaimi appeared in court on two separate cases Sunday. In addition to the murder and robbery allegations connected to the fatal incident, prosecutors said he also faces a robbery charge in another case. Authorities have not disclosed whether the incidents are connected, but court records indicate investigators are examining allegations involving elderly victims. Police have not released further details about the second robbery accusation.
Legal proceedings are now moving forward in Maricopa County Superior Court. First-degree murder is among the most serious charges under Arizona law and carries the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if a conviction is obtained. Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting evidence as the case advances through preliminary hearings and future court appearances. Defense attorneys have not yet publicly outlined their strategy or responded in detail to the allegations presented during the initial appearance.
Residents in the area where the incident occurred expressed shock that a daytime robbery could end in a fatality. The location sits near busy commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods that typically see heavy weekend traffic. Investigators spent hours processing evidence after the incident, while family members and community members sought answers about what happened. The victim’s death has added another layer of grief to a case that prosecutors described as both violent and tragic.
The investigation remains active. Court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as prosecutors pursue the murder case and authorities work to complete their review of evidence connected to both pending criminal matters.
Author note: Last updated June 22, 2026.