Jose Ibarra has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Laken Riley. Earlier today he was found guilty of murdering the Georgia nursing student, a tragic case that became a flashpoint in the heated national debate over immigration during this year's presidential race. The case has reignited discussions about border policies and the challenges surrounding the intersection of immigration and public safety, highlighting the deeply divisive nature of the issue in the United States. Jose Ibarra, 26, was convicted of malice and felony murder and eight other charges in the February death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Ibarra had waived his right to a jury trial, leaving Judge Haggard solely responsible for hearing and deciding the case.
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02:02 PM EST
Laken Riley autopsy details revealed by medical examiner
The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Laken Riley this week revealed the extent of her injuries during Jose Ibarra's trial.
Riley, 22, who was a Georgia nursing student, died on Feb. 22 after what prosecutors describe as a violent attack by the accused, Ibarra, while she was jogging on a wooded trail near the University of Georgia campus.
Dr. Michelle DiMarco of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) testified in court on Tuesday that Riley's body showed injuries across multiple areas, including her head, neck, torso, and limbs. DiMarco identified eight cuts to Riley's head, one of which caused a skull fracture.
The injuries "could be consistent with a rock," DiMarco said. A GBI specialist testified Riley's DNA was found on two rocks at the scene.
Additional testing revealed Riley's DNA on a blue jacket found in a trash bin at Ibarra's apartment complex. Ibarra's DNA was also detected on the jacket and under Riley's fingernails, further linking him to the crime, according to forensic testimony.
Read in full from Shannon McDonagh on Newsweek.
01:58 PM EST
Laken Riley's mother told judge to show no mercy in sentencing
Laken Riley's mother, Allyson Phillips, had implored the judge to show no mercy in sentencing Jose Ibirra.
Phillips told Judge H. Patrick Haggard that Ibarra "showed no regard for Laken or human life," so asked "the same be done to him."
"Laken's life was not the only life taken on that day that Jose Ibarra attacked her. The life of her family and friends was taken, too. None of us will ever be the same," Phillips said.
"This monster took away our chances to see Laken graduate from nursing school. He took away our ability to meet our future son-in-law. He destroyed our chances of meeting our grandchildren. And he took my best friend," she added.
01:52 PM EST
Jose Ibarra will not face the death penalty
A judge sentenced Jose Ibarra to life in prison without possibility of parole.
Judge H. Patrick Haggard found Ibarra guilty of ten criminal counts over the murder of Laken Riley.
The prosecution did not seek the death penalty.
01:50 PM EST
Prosecution says Laken Riley's sister 'should not have to worry' about Ibarra getting parole
Ahead of the announcement of Ibarra's sentence, Prosecutor Sheila Ross told the court that Ibarra should receive life because Laken Riley's sister Lauren Philips should not have to worry about Ibarra potentially getting parole.
"She's growing up without her sister," Ross said. "She's going to have to deal with elderly parents alone. Her children won't have an aunt. She is an only child, and she should not have to worry 30 years from now, 40 years from now, if he [Ibarra] comes up for parole, should he might get out," Ross argued.
01:49 PM EST
Trump celebrates 'justice for Laken Riley' after killer's conviction
Trump has celebrated 'justice for Laken Riley' after suspect Jose Ibarra was convicted of her murder.
In a post on Truth Social, President-elect Trump said: "The Illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes.
"Although the pain and heartbreak will last forever, hopefully this can help bring some peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for Justice, and to ensure that other families don't have to go through what they have.
We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our Border, and remove these criminals and thugs from our Country, so nothing like this can happen again!"
01:47 PM EST
Man accused of killing Laken Riley sentenced
Jose Ibarra, the man accused of murdering Laken Riley while jogging through the woods at the University of Georgia, has been sentenced to life in prison without possibility of release.
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