ATHENS, Georgia − The morning of Thursday, February 22, started off normally in this vibrant college town until a horrific incident shocked residents and the entire state.

Laken Hope Riley, a nursing student in a program at Augusta College based in Athens, went for a jog on that overcast morning. Tragically, her run ended with her being violently killed on the university’s intramural fields.

On Friday, a bench trial will be held in Clarke County Superior Court for the man accused of her murder. In a bench trial, a judge makes the final decision rather than a jury.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, who is 26 years old, chose to have a bench trial. Just a day before jury selection, it was announced in court that he had waived his right to that option, leaving the verdict up to Judge Patrick Haggard.

Ibarra faces multiple serious charges, including malice murder, felony murder, intent to commit rape coupled with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, interfering with a 911 call, and voyeurism.

Ibarra, who requires a translator for court proceedings, is originally from Venezuela and entered the U.S. unlawfully. His immigration status has prompted discussions on U.S. immigration policy, which has been highlighted by both President Joe Biden and President-Elect Donald Trump in their campaign speeches.

On May 31, Western Circuit District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez announced that her office would pursue a life sentence without parole for Ibarra instead of seeking the death penalty.

During the bench trial, Judge Haggard will hear the state’s evidence presented by special prosecutor Sheila Ross, who is affiliated with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council in Atlanta. Ibarra’s defense will be led by attorneys Kaitlyn Beck, Dustin Kirby, and John Donnelly.

What Happened to Laken Riley?

On the day of her jog, Laken’s friend grew worried when she did not return and alerted the authorities.

Authorities discovered Riley unconscious, unresponsive, and with visible injuries around noon on February 22, in a wooded area near Lake Herrick in Athens. Despite efforts by police to revive her, paramedics confirmed she had died at the location.

Investigations revealed that Riley sustained severe head injuries from being struck with a blunt object. The Athens-Clarke County coroner determined that she died from blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

As the investigation unfolded, police identified a potential suspect after witnessing a man disposing of a jacket and blood-stained latex gloves in a nearby trash bin.

The day following the murder, an officer recognized a man in a baseball cap who matched the description of the suspected individual seen near the dumpster. That man turned out to be Ibarra’s 28-year-old brother. Eventually, police located Jose Ibarra, who was arrested after an officer observed injuries on him.

In response to Riley’s death, the University of Georgia announced it would allocate $7.3 million for campus safety improvements, while the city of Athens pledged $500,000 toward enhancing public security.

Laken Riley’s Death Ignites National Debate on Immigration

The tragic loss of Riley deeply affected the community and stirred a significant discussion regarding violent crimes and U.S. immigration policies. Georgia Republicans have attributed the suspect’s illegal presence in the country to President Joe Biden, while Democrats and Riley’s father have criticized the politicization of this tragedy.

Governor Brian Kemp and former President Donald Trump have also held Biden responsible, claiming his policies have contributed to ongoing violent crime issues, linking unlawful immigration to increases in such crimes despite studies indicating that U.S.-born residents are more likely to be arrested for violent offenses than undocumented immigrants.

In a March interview with NBC News, Riley’s father, Jason Riley, expressed concern that political agendas were exploiting his daughter’s death in the lead-up to the November elections.

“It feels like she’s being used politically… It frustrates me,” Jason Riley stated in an interview. “She was more than that; she deserves to be remembered for who she truly was.”

“I wish that her tragic story wasn’t at the center of such a divisive storm in our country,” he added, noting how it has stirred strong emotions among many.