Jose Ibarra Convicted of Murdering Laken Riley

Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, has been convicted of murder in the death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, whose killing has intensified the national immigration debate. Ibarra was found guilty by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard after he waived his right to a jury trial. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence including DNA linked to Ibarra and surveillance footage showing him disposing of a bloody jacket near the crime scene. Riley, 22, was attacked while jogging on the University of Georgia campus on February 22. The prosecution plans to seek a life sentence without parole following the verdict. The case has prompted discussions regarding immigration policies, particularly in light of Ibarra's illegal entry into the U.S. in 2022.