The trial for Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national accused of murdering 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, began in a Georgia courtroom on Friday.
Riley was jogging near Lake Herrick on February 22, 2024, when she was killed. Ibarra faces multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence.
According to Fox News, the investigation into Riley’s death began when a friend reported her missing after she didn’t return home from a run.
Judge Patrick Haggard granted Ibarra’s request for a bench trialmeaning the judge would decide the verdict instead of a jury. Legal expert Philip Holloway said, “He’s fast-tracking himself to life without parole by doing this.”
The prosecution presented evidence connecting Ibarra to the crime, including fingerprints, DNA, cellphone data, and clothing found near his apartment. Investigators also linked him to a “peeping Tom” incident on campus the morning of Riley’s death, meaning a person who derives sexual pleasure from secretly watching people undressing or engaging in sexual activity.
“She fought for her life,” the prosecutor said during opening statements. “She fought for her dignity and in that fight, she caused this defendant to leave forensic evidence behind.”
Ibarra entered the United States illegally in 2022 through El Paso, a Texas city, and was released on parole. His brother, Diego Ibarra, faces charges related to green card fraud and has alleged ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Around 20 of Riley’s family members were present at the hearing. Ibarra has pleaded not guilty on all counts.
