Laken Riley, a 22-year-old student at the University of Augusta, was tragically killed after being attacked during a jog around campus. The suspect in this case is Jose Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented migrant who crossed the border into El Paso in 2023 before being arrested in New York. After his release, he relocated to Georgia.
According to University of Georgia (UGA) Today, Riley was assaulted while jogging on Feb. 22. She was a nursing student who had transferred from UGA to the Augusta University College of Nursing at Athens but remained active in her UGA sorority. The suspect was apprehended on Feb. 23 by the UGA Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County Police Department and now faces charges including malice murder and felony murder.
The New York Post reports that Ibarra crossed the southern border into the U.S. in September 2023. His wife told the Post that they were detained in an El Paso facility for five days before being sent to New York on a bus where he was later arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. Following his release, Ibarra moved to Georgia for work. Additionally, Diego Ibarra, Jose's brother, was recently arrested for using a false green card which he presented to police during questioning.
Cherokee County School District Superintendent Brian Hightower spoke about Riley's death to KFOX 14: "Our community and our world lost a shining light with the tragic passing of Laken," said Hightower. "An outstanding scholar-athlete, Laken inspired classmates and teachers with her love of learning and her kindness to all. We ask that the community please keep her family in their hearts." Riley attended River Ridge High School in Woodstock, a suburb of Atlanta, where she participated in cross country running.
Kyle Seraphin, a former FBI agent, posted on social media platform X: "I'm hearing from some @FBI Sources that Jose Ibarra, accused of murdering Laken Riley near @universityofga, was actually investigated by @FBIElPaso for 'Assault on a Federal Officer.' (felony 18 USC 111 violation). He allegedly engaged in a physical assault against two officials from @DHSgov."
According to the UGA website, UGA is both a land-grant and sea-grant institution. The campus also houses the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership. UGA offers a variety of academic programs and degrees to both national and international students. The university also boasts nearly 800 student organizations within its network.
