Court hearing reveals new allegations after a woman was killed during a purse theft in Glendale.
PHOENIX — Prosecutors say a Glendale man accused of targeting elderly victims now faces a first-degree murder charge after an elderly woman was killed during what authorities described as a violent purse-snatching that ended with the victim being run over by a vehicle.
The allegations emerged during an initial court appearance Sunday for 23-year-old Ali Hchaimi. Prosecutors said the suspect is linked to two separate robbery cases and argued that the fatal incident represented an escalation in a pattern of criminal conduct. The woman’s death transformed what began as a theft investigation into a homicide case carrying some of Arizona’s most severe criminal penalties.
Investigators said the fatal encounter occurred Saturday afternoon near 59th Avenue and Deer Valley Road in Glendale. Police allege that Hchaimi stole an elderly woman’s purse before driving away. During the confrontation, prosecutors said, the woman was struck and run over by the vehicle. Emergency crews responded to the scene and transported the victim to a hospital. Despite medical treatment, she later died from her injuries. Authorities have not publicly disclosed her identity.
During the court hearing, prosecutors emphasized the impact of the incident on the victim’s family. They said the woman’s husband witnessed the event and saw the fatal injuries unfold. Prosecutors described extensive trauma suffered by the victim and argued that the facts supported a first-degree murder charge. Investigators continue reviewing physical evidence, witness accounts, and surveillance material gathered from the area. Police have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the robbery.
The case also includes a separate robbery allegation. Prosecutors told the court that Hchaimi appeared on two criminal matters during the same hearing. In the second case, he faces an additional robbery charge unrelated to the homicide count. While authorities have provided limited information about that investigation, prosecutors suggested that elderly individuals may have been targeted in multiple incidents. Detectives have not indicated whether further charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
Arizona courts treat first-degree murder as a charge requiring prosecutors to prove intent or specific circumstances outlined under state law. The prosecution’s early presentation focused on the seriousness of the allegations and the violent nature of the victim’s death. Defense attorneys will have an opportunity to challenge the evidence as the case moves through future hearings. Court records are expected to provide additional details as filings become available.
The fatal robbery has generated significant public attention across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Crimes involving elderly victims often draw heightened scrutiny from investigators because of concerns about vulnerability and victim targeting. Law enforcement agencies routinely dedicate resources to identifying patterns involving repeat offenders when multiple incidents appear connected. Authorities have not announced any broader investigation but continue examining the available evidence.
For now, Hchaimi remains at the center of both criminal cases. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the homicide case through the court system while detectives continue gathering information about the alleged robberies. Additional hearings and procedural filings are anticipated in the weeks ahead.
Author note: Last updated June 22, 2026.