Laken Riley case returns to court as convicted murderer seeks new trial

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The man convicted of killing nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia’s campus in 2024 is requesting a new trial.

Lawyers for Jose Ibarra claim some of the evidence used to convict their client was circumstantial.

Ibarra’s lawyers argue that his constitutional rights were violated by the judge’s denial of a request for a trial delay so the defense could have time for an expert to review key evidence and by the admission of cellphone evidence the defense sought to exclude.

The defense brought in a DNA evidence expert to testify via a virtual call.

Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in November 2024. According to prosecutors, Ibarra killed Riley while she was on a run near Lake Herrick in February of that year.

Ibarra was convicted of several charges, including murder, tampering with evidence, kidnapping with bodily injury and aggravated assault with intent to rape.

Friday, based on a mental evaluation by the state, Judge Patrick Haggard ruled that Ibarra was competent to stand trial the first time and is competent to understand this motions hearing happening Friday.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Attorneys for man convicted in Laken Riley’s death file motion for new trial

The incident made national headlines and led to the Laken Riley Act, the first piece of legislation President Donald Trump signed into law during his second term.

The act requires federal agents to detain non-citizens convicted of or charged with a variety of crimes, including theft, burglary, assault of a law enforcement officer or any crimes involving serious bodily injury.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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