Communications Unveiled at Jose Ibarra’s Murder Trial in Laken Riley Case

On the third day of the trial against Jose Ibarra, the suspect in the murder of Laken Riley, prosecutors presented critical evidence in the form of the last known communication from the nursing student. The evidence, which includes a message to her mother, was described as having a haunting ordinariness just before a tragic event unfolded.

Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, disappeared on February 22 while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia. Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, was arrested shortly after and charged with murder, kidnapping, and assault, as reported by court records. The trial is currently taking place in Athens County.

During the court session on November 19, an investigator from the University of Georgia read Riley’s final text message, sent to her mother. At 8:55 a.m., Riley wrote, «Good morning, about to go for a run if you’re free to talk.» Following this message, Riley attempted to call her mother at 9:03 a.m., but received no answer, according to information presented by NBC‘s 11 Alive.

It was further revealed that at 9:11 a.m., Riley made a call to 911, which was abruptly disconnected. Subsequent return calls from 911 failed to reach her. Her mother, concerned about her daughter’s silence, attempted to contact Riley at 9:24 a.m. but received no response.

The trial showcased forensic evidence, including testimony from Riley’s roommate, and messages exchanged between Ibarra and his wife. In these messages, Ibarra’s wife was noted to have pleaded with him to disclose what happened. The suspect, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, has drawn attention in immigration debates.

Ibarra has pleaded not guilty to all charges and stated on Tuesday that he will not be testifying in his defense, a stance reported by several news outlets. During the trial, a special agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provided details on the discovery of Riley’s body, mentioning her clothing was significantly disturbed.

In the wake of these events, FBI Director Christopher Wray extended condolences to Riley’s family and the University of Georgia community during a press conference in March, expressing his heartbreak over the tragic incident.