ATHENS, Ga. — The Athens district attorney is bringing in who she called a top trial attorney as her office looks to prosecute the case regarding the murder of Laken Riley.
DA Deborah Gonzalez said Sheila Ross will return for a task force as they prepare for the felony case.
"We welcome her back as a knowledgeable and well-respected trial attorney with the expertise ready to bring justice on behalf of Laken Riley," Gonzalez said in a news release shared on social media.
Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student enrolled at Augusta University, was found dead on the University of Georgia's campus Thursday. UGA Police said they located her body behind Lake Herrick in the forested area. Riley had gone for a run at the intramural fields and didn't return. UGA police said they were notified, and her body was discovered.
UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark said Riley died from blunt force trauma. The suspect, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another person.
In Gonzalez's statement about Ross' announcement, the district attorney said her office's top priority is the safety of the residents in the community.
"From day one, our office has worked diligently to keep this community safe from anyone who seeks to do it harm," she said. "This includes those who believe that violence is the answer. We will ensure that such individuals are brought to justice.
Gonzalez added that her heart goes out to Riley's family and friends who are grieving behind the loss. Riley is being remembered as a "bright, dedicated student."
According to officials, Riley was a UGA student through the Spring Semester 2023 before she transferred to the Augusta University College of Nursing program at Athens, where she was currently enrolled as a junior and on the Dean's List.
Students gathered on UGA's campus Monday as they mourned her death and another student who also died last week.