Driver in deadly Glendale crash formally charged with 1st-degree murder, other counts

A driver accused of speeding recklessly through Glendale and causing a deadly crash has been indicted for first-degree murder and other charges, authorities announced Thursday.

Ali Alebadi, 20, ran multiple red lights and was responsible for two collisions while racing along at speeds above 90 mph on March 22, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

First, a patrol car chasing him collided with a pickup truck at 56th and Glendale avenues, according to the Glendale Police Department. A police officer and the pickup truck driver were hospitalized after the crash.

Alebadi then struck a car after running a red light at 51st and Glendale avenues, police said. Eva Odette Puente Ravelo, a passenger in the car, was killed, and the car’s driver was seriously injured. Alebadi also suffered serious injuries.

On Aug. 12, a grand jury indicted Alebadi on the following felony charges:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Aggravated assault (two counts)
• Unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle

According to AZ Family, Alebadi left the country to avoid arrest before returning and being apprehended in Glendale on Aug. 19.

Alebadi is being held on $3 million cash bond, prosecutors said. His trial is scheduled to begin in April 2027.

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