Explore the story of Laken Riley’s tragic death on UGA campus and the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra.
Tragic Death of Augusta University Nursing Student Shocks University Community
In a devastating turn of events, 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley met a tragic end on the campus of the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, Georgia.
Riley, a former UGA student who transferred to Augusta University in the spring of 2023, was discovered dead on Thursday, February 22, 2024, after failing to return from a routine jog.
🚨 The big brother of the illegal (Jose Ibarra) that took the life of Laken Riley has now been arrested!
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) February 24, 2024
Another ILLEGAL, Diego Ibarra, 29, was stopped by police, in connection with Lakens mur*der, and was found with a fake Green Card, along w outstanding criminal warrants.… pic.twitter.com/aWL5uEjOqs
Her lifeless body was found in a wooded area behind the UGA Intramural Fields with visible signs of injury, leading authorities to quickly classify her death as a homicide.
The arrest of 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, a non-U.S. citizen living in the Athens area, sent shockwaves through the community.
Ibarra, who is reportedly from Venezuela, faces a litany of charges, including murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping and interfering with a 911 call.
Investigators revealed that Riley succumbed to blunt force trauma, with no prior connection between her and Ibarra, leading law enforcement to characterize the incident as a “crime of opportunity.
Described as a dedicated student and cherished member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Riley’s untimely death has left her family, friends, and community reeling.
A graduate of River Ridge High School in Cherokee County, where she excelled as a member of the cross-country team, Riley was known for her boundless love of learning and kindness to others.
In the wake of the tragedy, both UGA and Augusta University suspended classes on Friday and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward in the ongoing investigation.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Riley’s death, they have issued a public appeal for additional evidence. The profound impact of her loss has reverberated throughout the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and solidarity for Riley’s loved ones.
Donations to Riley’s memorial fund: gofundme