Athens, Georgia – New court documents have shed light on the chilling details surrounding the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. The suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is now facing additional accusations, including claims of disfiguring Riley’s skull during the violent attack while she was out for a jog. The disturbing revelations came to light in a recently filed affidavit, which charged Ibarra with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and kidnapping in connection to Riley’s death.
According to the affidavit, Ibarra allegedly used an object to viciously strike Riley, causing severe injuries to her skull. The document further states that Ibarra committed aggravated assault by inflicting significant harm with the object, although it did not specify the nature of the weapon used in the attack. A preliminary autopsy report indicated that Riley succumbed to blunt force head trauma, while the official autopsy report is pending and may take weeks to complete.
In a harrowing attempt to conceal Riley’s death, Ibarra allegedly dragged her to a secluded area after the assault. The affidavit also revealed that during the attack, Riley made an effort to contact emergency services but was prevented from doing so by her assailant. The tragic incident occurred on the morning of February 22 while Riley was running at the University of Georgia Intramural Fields, prompting her roommate to contact the police when she failed to return home or communicate by noon.
Ibarra, a non-US citizen, was apprehended on charges of murder, with the ICE placing a detainer on him. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Ibarra’s background, including a previous detainment by Customs and Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, and an arrest by the New York Police Department for separate offenses, including reckless behavior towards a child and a vehicle license violation. However, the NYPD has refuted claims of Ibarra’s arrest, casting doubt on the accuracy of these assertions.
Authorities have emphasized that the attack on Riley appears to have been a crime of opportunity, with the perpetrator targeting her randomly. The campus community, including Greek organizations, gathered to honor Riley’s memory, describing her as a bright light and dedicated individual committed to making a positive impact on the world. The ongoing investigation into Riley’s tragic death involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.