The trial of the man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley continued with the prosecution wrapping up its witness testimony on Tuesday. Jose Ibarra, 26, faces charges of murder and other crimes in Riley’s February death. He opted for a trial by judge instead of a jury trial, with Judge H. Patrick Haggard presiding over the case.
The killing took place on the University of Georgia campus and sparked national debate over immigration, as Ibarra had entered the United States illegally in 2022. The prosecution presented over a dozen witnesses, including law enforcement officers, Riley’s roommate, and a woman who lived with Ibarra. Despite the opportunity to testify, Ibarra declined.
Defense attorneys began their case by intending to call Ibarra’s brother, Diego Ibarra, to the stand. However, a snag arose when it was discovered that Diego had a new attorney for his immigration case, who advised him not to testify. The trial was adjourned for the day to address this issue.
Earlier in the day, University of Georgia police Sgt. Sophie Raboud provided testimony on the timeline of events leading up to Riley’s death, including text messages exchanged with her mother and surveillance footage from the wooded trail where the incident occurred.
The prosecution alleged that Ibarra had targeted Riley that morning and killed her after she resisted his advances. Dr. Michelle DiMarco, a GBI medical examiner, detailed Riley’s injuries, indicating a violent struggle. DNA evidence linking Ibarra to the crime scene was also presented.
Defense attorneys emphasized the lack of conclusive evidence tying Ibarra to the murder, calling the case tragic but insufficiently proven. Witnesses, including neighbors of the Ibarras, provided additional perspectives on the events surrounding Riley’s death.
During the trial, she testified that he used a translation app on his phone to communicate with her. The screen displayed a message that threatened her if she were to reveal any information: “If you tell them, I will tell them you did it and then I will kill you, too.”
However, when questioned by Ross, Slaton clarified that Diego Ibarra never mentioned anything about him or his brother being involved in Riley’s death. She admitted to being under the influence of alcohol that day and being upset with Diego Ibarra due to suspicions of him seeing another woman.
A police officer, brought in as a witness by the defense, mentioned finding a pile of discarded clothes near the Ibarra’s residence the day following the murder. The clothes seemed to have been there for a while. Additionally, a witness who was out running on the day of Riley’s death described seeing a suspicious individual who was taller and slimmer than Jose Ibarra.
By Kate Brumback
