On February 22nd, 2024, 22-year-old Laken Riley was out on a jog near the University of Georgia campus where she attended as a nursing student. Riley’s family would often call her during her runs, but this time, she never answered her phone. There was immediate suspicion on what could have happened. Her mom would soon call her roommates to check in on her and make sure everything was okay. Soon after, two of her roommates, Lilly Steiner and Sofia Magana, searched the trail using the location of her phone as a guide. The roommates would soon go back to call the authorities, and she would be reported missing in the coming hours. Laken Riley’s remains would soon be found by an officer reporting to the scene.
The next day, February 23rd, 2024, Jose Ibarra was charged in connection to Laken Riley’s murder. His DNA was found under her fingernails and his fingerprint was seen on her iPhone which led officers to his arrest. Ibarra is an illegal migrant coming from Venezuela in 2022. He has been wanted for numerous crimes in the past few years and was paroled in the past, but released after investigation. Ibarra was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and interfering with a 911 call.
Jose Ibarra pleaded not guilty to his charges connected to the crimes. The trial began on November 15th, 2024. Ibarra waived his right to a jury and instead, the case’s verdict will be made solely on the judge’s decision. Opening statements on both sides contradicted the other, with the prosecution saying that Ibarra was “hunting for females on the University of Georgia campus,” but the defense claiming the evidence shown was not enough to charge their client. By November 20th, the final verdict was announced: Ibarra would be charged with all 10 counts and would face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
This case touched families all over the country in many ways. The Laken Hope Foundation was created by her father in March of this year. The foundation promotes safety for women as well as provides aid and assistance to nursing students all over the country. They host different fundraisers including charity races in her name. Around $300,000 has been raised so far to go to those in need. Laken Riley’s legacy will continue through her foundation, family, friends, as well as everyone who connected with her story all over the world.
