Athens, Ga. — Jose Ibarra, the man accused of murdering Augusta University student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus, was found guilty on Wednesday of all charges and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard convicted Ibarra on 10 counts, including malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and aggravated battery. Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, pleading not guilty to all charges.
The court proceedings included emotional victim impact statements from Riley’s family and friends. Allyson Philips, Riley’s mother, described her daughter as “smart, hardworking, and deeply committed to her faith.” In her statement, Philips said, “Jose Ibarra showed no mercy to my daughter. Laken fought for her life, dignity, and to save herself from being brutally raped. The pain he caused is immeasurable, and our family has been given a life sentence of grief.”
Riley’s stepfather, John Philips, read aloud her final journal entry from December 2023, which expressed her hopes and faith for the future. Her sister, Lauren Riley, referred to Ibarra as a “monster” and called for justice, saying, “He has utterly destroyed our lives, and I pray his sentence reflects the pain he has caused.”
Details of the Crime
Prosecutors argued that on February 22, 2024, Ibarra targeted Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, while she jogged near Lake Herrick on UGA’s campus. They detailed how Ibarra dragged her into a wooded area, attempted to sexually assault her, and fatally bludgeoned her with a rock. DNA evidence linked Ibarra to the crime scene, with Riley’s DNA found under his fingernails and on a jacket recovered from a dumpster near his apartment.
“She fought back, and her struggle provided the evidence that brought us here today,” prosecutor Sheila Ross told the court, adding, “He killed her because she refused to let him rape her.”
Defense attorneys argued the evidence was circumstantial and suggested that Ibarra’s brother, Diego, might have been involved. However, prosecutors countered this claim with surveillance footage showing Diego at work during the time of the murder.
Impact of the Verdict
The verdict brought visible relief and heartbreak to Riley’s family, who sobbed as Judge Haggard delivered the sentence. Ibarra remained emotionless, listening to the translation of the sentencing in Spanish.
President-elect Donald Trump also commented on the case, highlighting his focus on immigration reform. “The illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found guilty of his horrific crimes,” he posted on Truth Social. “It’s time to secure our borders to prevent such tragedies.”
Prosecutors Demand Justice
Prosecutors highlighted Ibarra’s criminal behavior on the day of the murder, linking him to a “peeping Tom” incident hours earlier, which they argued demonstrated his intent to target women.
“The evidence is clear and undeniable,” Ross said in her closing statement. “DNA, fingerprints, and security footage all point to one conclusion: Jose Ibarra committed these heinous acts.”
Community Response
The case has sent shockwaves through Athens and the UGA community, with calls for enhanced campus security and stricter immigration enforcement. Riley, remembered for her compassionate nature and dedication to serving others through mission work and nursing, has left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Her family hopes the verdict will bring some measure of closure, though the loss remains immeasurable. “Laken’s life was stolen, but her legacy of kindness and faith will live on,” her mother said.
Ibarra begins his life sentence immediately, with no possibility of parole.
