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Written by: E. George
Published December 1, 2024 @ 2:30 PM ET
CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. – The 26-year-old man from Venezuela accused of murdering 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus on February 22 was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The bench trial occurred on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, with Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard, who revealed his decision only 15 minutes after the end of closing arguments.
The three-day trial consisted of over 20 witnesses and 300 pieces of evidence submitted by the prosecutors and two witnesses called by the defense attorneys. Judge Haggard found Jose Ibarra guilty of numerous charges, including aggravated assault with the intent to rape, aggravated battery, felony murder, hindering a 911 call, kidnapping with bodily injury, malice murder, Peeping Tom, and tampering with evidence.
Police revealed that Ibarra allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2022 and was detained one day after Riley was found. The suspect resided with relatives (two brothers) who were also in the country illegally.
Governor Brian Kemp stated, “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.”
Evidence presented in court indicated that Riley fought for her life for approximately 17 minutes, scratching Ibarra and gathering his DNA underneath her fingernails before he bludgeoned her with a rock, fracturing her skull. The autopsy report determined she was also asphyxiated.
Security footage aided in identifying the suspect, who donned fresh scratches on his wrists and arms. A multi-agency effort uncovered a jacket with fresh blood stains and hair snagged on the buttons thrown into a nearby trash bin.
In impact statements read before the court, the victim’s sister, Lauren Phillips, lamented, “I now have this hole in my heart and in my life that I know will never be filled.” Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, stated, “He took my best friend. He ripped away every beautiful memory we will ever be able to make with her again.”