Jose Antonio Ibarra was named as the suspect in the murder of college student Laken Hope Riley, who was attacked while jogging on the University of Georgia’s campus on February 22.
That’s according to the University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark, who released the information in a press conference.
“We have a suspect in custody for Lake’s murder,” said Clark. “We are obtaining arrest warrants for Jose Antonio Ibarra.”
Ibarra, 26, is now accused of Riley’s murder. She was a nursing student at Augusta University College of Nursing in Athens, Georgia. A photo of Ibarra will be added to this story when one is obtained. In the news conference, Clark confirmed Riley’s name and called the murder “heartbreaking.”
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Jose Antonio Ibarra Is Not a U.S. Citizen, the Chief Says
Facebook (Laken Riley)Laken Riley.
In the news conference, the chief said that Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen. “He lives here in Athens but is not a U.S. citizen,” said Clark.
Ibarra has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another, Clark said. He is being transported to the jail. Police have searched Ibarra’s apartment, according to the chief.
The body of Riley, 22, was discovered on the campus on February 22 after she went jogging at the university’s intramural fields.
“Earlier this afternoon, you received a timely warning from the University of Georgia Police Department regarding an individual whose body was found in a wooded area at the UGA Intramural Fields. The woman had been reported missing after failing to return home from a run at the Intramural Fields this morning,” the University of Georgia wrote in a statement on its website on February 22.
2. Jose Antonio Ibarra Did Not Know Laken Riley, According to Police
The chief said in the news conference that Ibarra did not know the college student. He said there is not a continuing threat to the community.
Tthe university previously said in the statement that foul play is suspected. Riley had “visible injuries” when her body was found around 1 p.m., according to the Athens Banner-Herald.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, Riley’s body was discovered by a University of Georgia police officer “in a wooded area behind Lake Herrick at the intramural fields off College Station Road,” which is a “popular place for students and others to walk and jog.”
Police were notified by a friend when Riley did not return home from jogging, the Banner-Herald reported.
According to WSB-TV, police “swarmed an apartment complex off S. Milledge Avenue” after news broke that they have a person of interest in the case.
3. The University’s Statement Called the Murder of Laken Hope Riley a ‘Traumtic Time for Our University’
Facebook (Laken Hope Riley)Laken Hope Riley
The university’s statement indicates that foul play is suspected.
“We have been fully briefed on this terrible situation. Foul play is suspected, and we are already receiving support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County Police Department to investigate this crime. We want to assure you that the safety and welfare of our campus community is our top concern,” UGA’s statement says.
The statement continues:
If you think you have any information related to this incident, we urge you to contact the UGA Police Department immediately at 706-542-2200. In addition, all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to download and use the UGA Safe app, which offers several important safety features, including emergency notification alerts and the ability to share location in real-time with the police, among others. We also recommend that you travel in groups when possible and be aware of your surroundings.
The past 24 hours have been a traumatic time for our University. Our student body is grieving the sudden death of one our students in Brumby Hall last night. And as we continue to mourn that tragic loss of life, today’s devastating news will uniquely test the resolve of our campus community, particularly our students.
We are announcing that classes on the Athens campus are cancelled after 5:30 p.m. this evening, February 22. They will remain cancelled tomorrow. We will resume classes on Monday, February 26.
4. Laken Riley’s Mother Described Her Daughter as Smart, Hard-Working, Kind & Thoughtful
Facebook (Laken Riley)Laken Riley.
Laken Riley’s Facebook page contains a few photos of her on a beach and in a graduation scene. The page says she attended the University of Georgia and was in the class of 2024.
Riley’s mother posted frequently on Facebook about her daughter underscoring a promising future.
Riley’s mom wrote on Facebook on February 3, “Proud mom moment! Laken made Dean’s List (her name is in the top right corner). This girl works harder than any one I know! She is going to be a phenomenal nurse ❤️🎉”
In January, Riley’s mother wrote, “Happy birthday to my beautiful, smart, hard working, kind and thoughtful Laken 🎂🎉. I am so proud of you and love you beyond words. I wish I could be with you today. I hope you have an awesome day celebrating with your friends! 🎉🎉🎉”
5. Laken Riley Belonged to the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority & Was From Woodstock, Georgia
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, Riley was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
“The victim was an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia until the spring of 2023, and then she became a nursing student at the Augusta University nursing program in Athens,” UGA spokesperson Cole Sosebee said to CNN.
Riley was from Woodstock, Georgia, according to social media posts.
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