Fugitive, Charged With 1979 Murder, Arrested After Landing At O'Hare

Ata Yousef El Ammouri was arrested at O'Hare, after arriving from Jordan, for murder charges dating from 1979.

El Ammouri was traveling here to attend a graduation.

Back in 1979, El Ammouri posted $100,000 bail after he was charged with murder. In November 1979, he received additional charges for jumping bail, and authorities at the time believed he fled the country to avoid prosecution, the statement said. 

El Ammouri appeared in bond court Saturday and was not released on bond. His next court date is Monday at the Leighton Criminal Courts building.

“Today’s capture of Ata Yousef El Ammouri should send a message that the simple passage of time does not eradicate our commitment to bringing fugitives to justice,” said Sheriff Dart in a statement. “I want to thank the State Department and the various state and federal agencies for their outstanding intelligence gathering throughout this initiative as well as our team on the ground for their patience and professionalism, all of which has ensured that this man will finally answer for his crimes.”

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According to the statement, The U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service provided significant assistance in the investigation that led to El Ammouri’s arrest—coordinating with federal and local law enforcement in a collaboration that extended across the two countries.  
 
“This case demonstrates Diplomatic Security’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes and help bring these criminals to justice no matter where in the world they may be,” said Cornell Chasten, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office, Diplomatic Security Service, in a statement. “Diplomatic Security’s strong relationship with other law enforcement agencies continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”

This operation facilitated wide-ranging partnerships to ensure El Ammouri’s safe and efficient capture. Participating agencies included the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Cook County States Attorney’s Office, Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Embassy in Jordan, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Chicago Police Department, the statement said.