By Elissa Steedman with wires
Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant who entered the U.S. illegally, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley. Ibarra was found guilty of killing Riley after she resisted his attempted sexual assault while out running on a trail at the University of Georgia on February 22 this year.
Riley, a student at Augusta University, was described by her family and friends as caring, selfless, and dedicated to helping others. In emotional statements before the sentencing, her mother spoke of her daughter’s bright future and loving nature.
The evidence against Ibarra was compelling, including DNA found under Riley’s fingernails, scratches on his body, and video footage of him discarding a bloodied jacket shortly after the murder. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, and the judge found the evidence overwhelming.
This case gained national attention, in part because it became central to President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign, with immigration issues at the forefront.
