Ibarra “went hunting” for a female victim on UGA campus and found Laken Riley

By Joe Johnson

“On February 22nd Jose Ibarra put on a black hat, a hoodie-style jacket and some black kitchen-style disposable gloves, and he went hunting for a female on the University of Georgia campus,” said Special Prosecutor Sheila Ross as Ibarra’s murder trial began Friday morning.

“And in his hunt he encountered 22-year-old Laken Riley on her morning jog,” the prosecutor continued, “and when Laken Riley refused to be his rape victim, he bashed her skull in with a rock repeatedly. That is what this case is all about.”

Ross said that Riley “fought fiercely for her life, she fought for her dignity,” and in so doing “she marked her killer for all the world to see” by scratching Ibarra, whose DNA was found under her fingernails.

When arrested, Ibarra bore injuries from Riley’s struggle, including scratches on his arms, hand and back of his neck, Ross said.

Ibarra’s thumbprint was also on the cellphone that Riley used to call 911 during the deadly assault.

“That forensic evidence that alone would give you enough evidence to find him guilty as charged.” Ross told the judge.

Riley’s body was discovered in the woods, some 65 feet from the running trail, covered with leaves in an attempt to conceal her.

Ibarra is alleged in a 10-count indictment to have killed Riley during a sexual assault on a UGA running trail by bludgeoning her head with a rock and choking her.

Prosecutor Sheila Ross makes her opening statement

The indictment charges Ibarra with malice murder, three counts of felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault with intent to commit rape, aggravated battery, interference with a 911 emergency call, and tampering with evidence.

in her opening remarks Ross also gave the judge a preview of the video evidence that will be presented, including surveillance video footage of Ibarra tossing bloody clothing into a dumpster soon after the murder.

Ibarra’s defense attorney said that the evidence against his client did not connect him to Riley’s death.

“The evidence that Jose Ibarra killed anyone is circumstantial,” Dustin Kirby told the judge, adding the evidence “that links Mr. Ibarra to that event, is lacking” upon closer inspection.

The prosecution previously filed notice with the court that a sentence of life in prison without parole would be asked for if Ibarra were to be convicted.

Because there is no jury, the trial is expected to proceed quickly and efficiently.