Official court documents and statements from the trial

Bench Trial Begins for Jose Ibarra, Accused Illegal Immigrant in Murder of Georgia Student

Nov 15, 2024, 05:54 PM

A bench trial began Friday for Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man accused of murdering 22-year-old nursing student, Laken Hope Riley, on the University of Georgia campus in February. Prosecutors allege that Ibarra, who entered the United States illegally in 2022, attacked Riley during her morning jog, inflicting fatal blunt force trauma to her head. According to opening statements, Riley fought for her life for 18 minutes before succumbing to her injuries. The court heard a 911 call made from Riley's cellphone during the attack, which captured her final moments. DNA and fingerprint evidence are expected to link Ibarra to the crime, and surveillance footage reportedly shows him disposing of clothing shortly after the incident. The case has intensified debate over immigration policies, as Ibarra is accused of being in the country illegally. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial and faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole if convicted.