Man accused of killing Ga. nursing student Laken Riley is charged with murder

ATHENS, Ga. (TCD) -- A 26-year-old man was formally indicted this week on multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping, for allegedly killing a 22-year-old nursing student who was found dead on the University of Georgia campus.

Clarke County court records show Jose Antonio Ibarra was charged with three counts of felony murder and one count each of malice murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, interfering with call for help, tampering with evidence, and Peeping Tom in connection with the death of Laken Riley.

According to the indictment, Ibarra allegedly beat Riley on the head with a rock, causing blunt force trauma injuries. He also reportedly strangled her, pulled up her clothing "with the intent to have carnal knowledge of her forcibly and against her will," and prevented her from calling for help during the attack. The Peeping Tom charge reportedly refers to him looking through another female's window that same day.

On Feb. 22 at approximately 12:07 p.m., Riley's friend contacted the University of Georgia Police Department and said she was worried because Riley left to go on a run at the school's Intramural Fields that morning but had not returned home. Officers went to the fields minutes later and found her unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.

Investigators arrested Ibarra the next day. Police said Ibarra and Riley did not know each other and it was a "crime of opportunity." He reportedly lived in Athens, close to the University of Georgia.

NBC News reports Ibarra was an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who came to the United States in 2022.

Riley attended Augusta University College of Nursing, where she was described as a "bright and dedicated" student.

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