ATHENS, Ga. — The trial of a man accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley is expected to resume Monday in Athens, with testimony expected to focus on evidence presented during Friday’s opening session.
Jose Ibarra, charged in Riley’s February death, waived his right to a jury trial, leaving Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard to decide his fate.
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Prosecutor Sheila Ross said Riley, 22, who attended Augusta University College of Nursing’s Athens campus, encountered Ibarra while jogging on a wooded trail. Riley fought back during the attack, which Ross described as a violent attempt to make her his “rape victim.” DNA evidence, thumbprints on Riley’s phone, and surveillance footage were presented as key elements linking Ibarra to the crime.
Ross detailed Riley’s final moments using data from her phone and smartwatch. She reportedly called 911 during the attack, though the call was cut off. Riley’s concerned roommates, using a phone app, tracked her location to the trail, finding one of her Airpod earbuds. They called officers, and police discovered her body partially covered in leaves.
Defense attorney Dustin Kirby argued that while the evidence is graphic and disturbing, it remains circumstantial and does not directly prove Ibarra’s guilt.
Riley’s death fueled the national debate on immigration policy after federal officials revealed that Ibarra entered the U.S. without proper paperwork in 2022 and was awaiting the resolution of his immigration case. Prominent politicians, including President-elect Donald Trump, criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, mentioning Riley by name during debates.
The trial continues around 8:30 a.m. as Judge Haggard is expected to continue reviewing testimony, surveillance footage and forensic evidence.