Jose Ibarra found guilty of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley

Jose Ibarra is convicted of murdering Georgia student Laken Riley, fueling debates over immigration and public safety.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was convicted Wednesday of murdering 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley. 

Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard found Ibarra guilty of multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and kidnapping. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, allowing the judge to determine his guilt.

Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University’s Athens campus, was attacked while jogging on February 22, 2023, near the University of Georgia. Prosecutors argued that Ibarra, who entered the U.S. illegally in September 2022, targeted Riley with the intent to rape her. When she resisted, he bludgeoned her with a rock. Ibarra was arrested the following day in a nearby apartment complex.

The prosecution presented key evidence, including surveillance footage of Ibarra discarding a jacket containing both his and Riley’s DNA. Additionally, data from cellphones and Riley’s smartwatch placed the two on the same path during the attack. Riley’s smartwatch recorded her running speed and heart rate, corroborating the timeline of events.

A translated phone call between Ibarra and his wife from jail also drew attention. When his wife asked, “What happened to the girl?” Ibarra avoided directly answering. Prosecutors argued he had gone “hunting for females” on the campus that day.

Defense attorney Dustin Kirby described the evidence as circumstantial, arguing there was no clear proof of intent to commit sexual assault. Judge Haggard, however, found the evidence compelling and scheduled sentencing for later the same day.

Riley’s murder became a national issue, fueling debates on immigration and border security. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene highlighted the case during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, criticizing his administration’s immigration policies.

Riley’s tragic death remains central to discussions about undocumented immigration and its impact on public safety in the United States.