The person at the center of this case
Ishmail Muslim Ali (fugitive/suspect)
Cold Case · Open
41 years waiting · since 1984
ISHMAIL MUSLIM ALI
Justice for Ishmail Muslim Ali (fugitive/suspect) — the trail went cold in 1984, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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suspect
Lead #1How did Ali obtain a handgun while in custody as a prisoner being transferred?
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location
Lead #2Is Ali still residing in Cuba, and what is his current status with Cuban authorities?
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evidence
Lead #3What specific evidence linked Ali to the eight tourist murders in St. Croix that resulted in his eight life sentences?
On December 31, 1984, Ishmail Muslim Ali, a prisoner being transferred from St. Croix to New York, allegedly used a hidden handgun to hijack American Airlines Flight 626 mid-flight and divert it to Havana, Cuba. Ali was serving eight life sentences for murdering eight tourists in St. Croix at the time of the hijacking. He remains a fugitive and is believed to be living in Cuba with his family, making this case significant for understanding aircraft piracy and international fugitive cases.
Case
#676
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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contact
Lead #4Are there any known associates or family members in Cuba who could provide leads on Ali's whereabouts?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Crime Aboard an Aircraft - Aircraft Piracy Caution: Ishmail Muslim Ali is wanted for his alleged involvement in the December 31, 1984, hijacking of American Airlines Flight 626 en route from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, to John F.
Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. Ali, who was aboard the plane as a prisoner being transferred from the islands to a prison in New York, allegedly used a handgun hidden in the bathroom of the plane to hijack the plane to Havana, Cuba.
At the time of the crime, Ali was serving eight life sentences for the murders of eight tourists in St. Croix.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Ali in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, on April 17, 1985, after he was charged with aircraft piracy. Remarks: Ali may reside in Cuba with his wife and children.
Timeline of Events
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1984-12-31
American Airlines Flight 626 Hijacking
Ishmail Muslim Ali, a prisoner aboard Flight 626 traveling from St. Croix to JFK, allegedly used a hidden handgun to hijack the aircraft and divert it to Havana, Cuba.
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1985-04-17
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
A federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, charging Ali with aircraft piracy.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 31, 1984
Last Updated:September 9, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:December 31, 1984
Last Updated:September 9, 2026