Jose Ibarra found guilty of murder for the killing of Laken Riley

ATHENS, Ga. — Jose Ibarra was found guilty of murder Wednesday for the February killing of nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus.

Superior Judge H. Patrick Haggard delivered the verdict just 15 minutes after closing arguments were completed.

Ibarra, 26, was found guilty on charges of felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, hindering a 911 call, tampering with evidence and a peeping tom charge. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, opting instead for Judge Haggard alone to be the fact finder and render a verdict.

The judge said he wrote down two things during closing arguments on Wednesday morning: a statement from the prosecution that “the evidence was overwhelming and powerful,” and a statement made by the defense that he “was required to set aside his emotions,” in making a decision.

“That’s the way I have to approach this, and I did,” he said.

Riley’s violent death became a flashpoint in the national debate over illegal immigration. Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who authorities say entered the country illegally in 2022, was arrested the day after Riley’s body was found just before 1 p.m. on Feb. 22 in a wooded area near the University of Georgia intramural fields. Riley had been asphyxiated and struck in the head several times with a rock, authorities said.

“Open border policies failed Laken Riley, and today’s verdict is a reminder that the safety of our communities must remain our number one priority,” Gov. Brian Kemp wrote in a statement.

Haggard said sentencing would begin on Wednesday afternoon. The district attorney’s office filed paperwork in court indicating it will seek a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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