Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant with a history of violence, has been convicted and sentenced to life without parole for the brutal murder of nursing student Laken Riley.
Prosecutors described the evidence against Ibarra as “overwhelming,” while the defense suggested during closing arguments that he might have been an accomplice rather than the primary perpetrator.
Before the sentencing, Laken’s mother, Allyson Phillips, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, describing Ibarra, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, as a “sick, twisted, and evil coward.”
“Jose Ibarra showed no mercy to my terrified, struggling child,” Allyson told Judge Patrick Haggard, her voice breaking as she spoke. “Laken fought for her life with courage, trying to save herself from a brutal assault. This coward had no regard for her or human life. We ask the court to show him the same mercy he showed her—none.”
Fighting back tears, Allyson continued, “Our pain and loss are endless. My daughter, my best friend, was attacked and shown no mercy that terrible day. Laken was a kind, thoughtful child of God who deserved so much more.”
Judge Haggard answered her plea, finding Ibarra guilty on all charges and sentencing him to two consecutive life terms plus 27 years.
Laken’s father, Jason Riley, also addressed the court, expressing the profound anguish caused by the loss of his daughter. “I’ll never feel her hug or hold her hand again,” he said. “Our world has been destroyed. I am haunted by the terror she must have felt in those final moments. I pray justice will be served.”
Laken Riley was viciously murdered on February 22 while jogging near the University of Georgia campus, close to Augusta University, where she was studying nursing. Ibarra, 26, attempted to assault her but killed her after she fiercely resisted. He used a rock to strike her head and asphyxiated her during the struggle.
Prosecutors revealed that Riley valiantly fought for her life for an agonizing 18 minutes, inflicting deep scratches on Ibarra’s neck and wrists before he overpowered her. DNA found under her fingernails was pivotal in securing his conviction.
The trial lasted four days, with the prosecution presenting 29 witnesses. The defense, on the other hand, called only three and attempted to shift blame onto Ibarra’s brother Diego, also a gang member. Neither Ibarra nor his brother testified.
Judge Haggard took just 19 minutes after closing arguments to deliver the verdict. Riley’s family, holding hands in the gallery, broke into tears as the judge read guilty verdicts for charges including felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, and aggravated assault with intent to rape.
The tragic case drew national attention amid ongoing debates about illegal immigration, with some linking Riley’s death to broader border security concerns. Ibarra had reportedly traveled to Georgia from New York City using taxpayer-funded programs that facilitated travel for migrants under the Biden-Harris administration.
