Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the February murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard found Ibarra guilty on Nov. 20 of 10 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, and kidnapping with bodily injury, among others. Riley, a student at Augusta University, was brutally killed on Feb. 22 while jogging near the University of Georgia campus. Her body was found with severe head trauma. Ibarra, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, was awaiting immigration proceedings when arrested. His criminal history includes a 2023 arrest in New York City, though he was released before deportation proceedings could begin.
Riley’s family expressed deep grief during the trial, with her parents calling Ibarra a “monster” and “truly evil.” In response, former President Donald Trump expressed sympathy and called for stronger border security to prevent similar tragedies. The case has sparked controversy over immigration policies, particularly concerning the release of undocumented immigrants with criminal charges. Following the conviction, Ibarra may face deportation after serving his sentence.
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