A Georgia judge has denied convicted killer Jose Ibarra's request for a new trial in the murder of Laken Riley, ruling that the evidence presented during the 2024 trial was "overwhelming and powerful."
Background
Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally, attacked and killed 22-year-old Laken Riley in February 2024 while she was jogging in Athens, Georgia. The murder drew national attention as authorities investigated how the suspect, who had been released from federal custody after crossing the border, was able to remain in the country.
Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, was attacked on February 22, 2024. Prosecutors detailed during the trial that Riley refused to become Ibarra's rape victim, leading him to bash her skull in with a rock repeatedly. "She fought for her life, for her dignity," Prosecutor Sheila Ross said during closing arguments.
Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard presided over the trial and found Ibarra guilty on ten charges, including felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and peeping tom.
The Charges
Following the conviction, Ibarra's defense team filed a motion for a new trial arguing that the court committed "errors of law that necessitate a new trial." The defense claimed Ibarra's constitutional rights were violated when Judge Haggard denied a request for a continuance, which would have allowed experts additional time to review DNA evidence.
In his order denying the request Monday, Judge Haggard stated that the defense lawyers "effectively challenged the TrueAllele DNA evidence at trial," implying the issue was already adequately addressed by the court.
The defense also challenged the seizure of two cellphones, arguing the devices were not included on the search warrant. Judge Haggard denied this argument as well, noting there were "exigent circumstances authorizing the seizure of the cellphones."
Key Takeaways
- Judge H. Patrick Haggard denied Jose Ibarra's motion for new trial in an order released Monday
- Ibarra was convicted in 2024 on ten charges including felony murder and malice murder
- Defense argued court violated rights by denying request for DNA evidence review delay
- Judge ruled defense adequately challenged DNA evidence during trial
- Defense plans to appeal the ruling
What's Next
Ibarra's defense team has indicated they will appeal Judge Haggard's ruling denying the new trial request. The appeal process could take months or longer to resolve. The case remains one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in Georgia since Riley's death sparked national debate over immigration policy and campus safety.
CrimeOnline will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide updates as they become available.