Georgia student Laken Riley's final text revealed in murder trial testimony

Prosecutors in the trial of Jose Ibarra shared Georgia student Laken Riley's haunting final text.

In a chilling courtroom revelation, prosecutors in the trial of Jose Ibarra, accused of murdering nursing student Laken Riley, shared her final text message sent to her mother on February 22, 2024. The Augusta University student, 22, was killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her last message, sent at 8:55 a.m., read: “Good morning… about to go for a run if you’re free to talk.”

Riley called her mother minutes later but received no answer. By 9:11 a.m., Riley dialed 911 in a distress call that was abruptly cut off. Attempts by 911 operators and her family to reach her went unanswered, sparking panic among her loved ones. “You’re making me nervous not answering while you’re out running,” her mother texted later that morning.

Jose Ibarra, 26, faces charges including murder, kidnapping, and assault. Prosecutors presented evidence, including testimony from Riley’s roommate and forensic details, alongside jailhouse calls in which Ibarra’s wife pleaded for answers. Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, has pleaded not guilty.

This tragic case has drawn national attention, reigniting debates on campus safety and immigration policies. The trial continues in Athens County as Riley’s family and community seek justice.