The suspect accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley pleaded not guilty in Clarke County Superior Court. 26-year-old Jose Ibarra was arraigned in Athens on Friday, May 31.
Authorities say on February 22, Ibarra encountered Riley while she was out for a run near Lake Herrick on the University of Georgia campus. He is accused of trying to rape Riley before hitting her in the head with a rock and trying to asphyxiate her.
A jury indicted Ibarra on 10 counts, including three counts of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, hindering a 911 call, tampering with evidence, and peeping Tom.
According to authorities, Ibarra, who is from Venezuela, entered the U.S. illegally.
Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard presided over the proceedings. He plans to update lawyers in the status of the case in early August, with trial expected to begin in early fall.
An attorney for Ibarra asked for 90 days to review the evidence.
The Western Judicial District Attorney’s Office has announced that it will seek life without the possibility of parole for Ibarra.
District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez stated, “Our utmost duty is to ensure that justice is served and that the victim’s family is an integral part of the deliberation process. We understand that there will be those outside this office who will disagree with our decision and seek to exploit this case for political gain. However, the integrity of our judicial process and the pursuit of justice must always transcend political considerations.”
“Our job is to follow the facts of the case and the law. If Mr. Ibarra is found guilty by a jury trial, he will face life in prison without the possibility of parole. We owe it to Laken and our community to ensure justice is served.”
The DA also expressed gratitude to the family and loved ones of Laken Riley for their patience and grace throughout the judicial process.
This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with WUGA
