A Venezuelan man, Jose Ibarra, has been convicted of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, a case that became a focal point in the national debate over immigration during this year’s presidential race.
Ibarra, 26, was charged with multiple crimes related to Riley’s death in February. Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard delivered the guilty verdict on Wednesday. Ibarra had waived his right to a jury trial, leaving the judge to hear and decide the case.
Judge Haggard found Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts: one count of malice murder; three counts of felony murder; and one count each of kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing an emergency call, evidence tampering, and being a peeping Tom.
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After announcing the ruling, the judge stated he was ready to move forward with sentencing, but prosecutors requested a break. Sentencing was scheduled to resume after an hour-long recess.
The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was read, with Riley’s parents, roommates, and other loved ones visibly distressed. Ibarra showed no visible reaction to the ruling.
Judge Haggard later shared his thoughts on the arguments presented, noting two statements he had written down during closing arguments. Prosecutor Sheila Ross described the evidence as “overwhelming and powerful,” while defense attorney Kaitlyn Beck reminded him he was “required to set aside my emotions” in making his decision.
The case drew national attention when federal authorities revealed that Ibarra had illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was allowed to remain in the country while his immigration case was pending.
The trial, which began Friday, saw prosecutors call over a dozen witnesses, including law enforcement officers, Riley’s roommates, and a woman who lived in the same apartment complex as Ibarra. The defense, which rested its case Wednesday morning, presented testimony from a police officer, a jogger, and one of Ibarra’s neighbors.
Prosecutor Sheila Ross told the court that Ibarra encountered Riley while she was jogging on the University of Georgia campus on February 22 and killed her during a struggle. Riley, 22, was a nursing student at Augusta University College of Nursing, which has a campus in Athens, approximately 70 miles (115 kilometers) east of Atlanta.
In his opening statement, defense attorney Dustin Kirby acknowledged the tragedy of Riley’s death and described the evidence as graphic and disturbing. However, he argued that the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to prove Ibarra was responsible for her death.
Riley’s family, friends, and roommates filled the courtroom throughout the trial, providing a somber backdrop to the proceedings.
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