ATLANTA — The trial for Jose Ibarra, accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley, resumes Wednesday morning with just two witnesses left to testify. The defense is expected to rest its case following the testimonies, moving the trial closer to a verdict.
Ibarra, 26, faces charges including murder and aggravated assault in connection to Riley’s Feb. 22 death on the University of Georgia campus. Riley, 22, was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing, which has a campus in Athens. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, leaving the case to be decided by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard.
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On Tuesday, prosecutors concluded their case after presenting evidence and testimony that included a detailed timeline of events, DNA evidence linking Ibarra to the crime scene, and statements from law enforcement and neighbors.
Defense attorneys, who argue the evidence is circumstantial, have focused on raising questions about Ibarra’s brother, Diego, as a possible suspect.
Diego Ibarra, currently in federal immigration detention, appeared in court Tuesday but did not testify due to legal complications. Defense attorneys are expected to call him as a witness today, along with one additional person. Court proceedings will begin at 8:30 a.m., and a verdict may follow soon after the defense rests.