Jose Ibarra Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Killing Georgia Nursing Student Laken Riley

Mar. 15, 2025

Jose Ibarra.Photo:Robin Rayne/Zuma/SplashNews

Robin Rayne/Zuma/SplashNews

Riley, a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student, waskilled on Feb. 22 while she was out on a jogon the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Ga.

Ibarra was found guilty on one count of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, and kidnapping, aggravated assault with attempt to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing a 911 call, tampering with evidence and peeping tom.

For malice murder, he received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole; for kidnapping, he was given life in prison; for assault with attempt to rape, obstructing a 911 call, evidence tampering and peeping tom convictions, he received 20 years, 12 months, 12 months and 5 years, respectively, all to be served consecutively.

As Judge H. Patrick Haggard announced the sentences on Wednesday, Nov. 20, Ibarra stood quietly and didn’t display a visible reaction.

Laken Riley.Laken Riley/Facebook

Laken Riley/Facebook

Before the sentencing, the court heard moving testimony from Riley’s parents, sister and friends.

“Jose took no pity on my scared, panicked and struggling child,” Riley’s mother Allyson Phillips said, fighting back tears.

Riley’s sister Lauren Phillips talked about Riley’s terror during her final moments.

“I think about how scared she must have been and how that man,” Lauren said, pointing towards Ibarra.

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Riley wasfound dead with “visible injuries"after she disappeared while on a jog. Shedied from blunt force traumato the head, an Athens-Clarke County coroner previously told PEOPLE.

source: people.com