Jose Antonio Ibarra of Athens, an alleged illegal immigrant has been arrested in connection with the murder of Augusta University student, Laken Hope Riley.
Authorities announced the arrest Friday on the back of their investigations into the case.
Jose Antonio Ibarra reportedly did not previously know Riley and carried out a ‘crime of opportunity’, said University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark.
Reports from social media have revealed Ibarra is in the country illegally from Venezuela.
In this article, we breakdown what is known so far about Jose Antonio Ibarra of Athens, Georgia.
Who is Jose Antonio Ibarra Athens?
Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old resident of Athens, Georgia, has been arrested and charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another in connection with the murder of Laken Riley.
Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was found dead on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens.
READ ALSO: Laken Riley Athens – Authorities Provide More Details About Woman Found Dead at UGA
She was discovered unconscious and not breathing with visible injuries in the woods behind Lake Herrick on Thursday afternoon.
UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark announced that Jose Antonio Ibarra was taken into custody in connection with her murder.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old resident of Athens, Georgia, has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley. Here’s a thorough breakdown of the available information:
Jose Antonio Ibarra was taken into custody by the University of Georgia (UGA) Police Department and faces the following charges:
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault
- False imprisonment
- Kidnapping
- Hindering a 911 call
- Concealing the death of another.
According to reports, Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen.
“He did not know her at all. I think this was a crime of opportunity,” said Clark.
According to authorities, Ibarra moved to Athens from Venezuela. Clark confirmed that he is not a U.S. citizen and does not know when Ibarra arrived in Athens.
“He did not attend school at the University of Georgia,” said Clark. “This was an individual who woke up with bad intentions that day.”
Clark added that Riley and Ibarra did not know each other.
On Saturday, Ibarra was denied bond.
According to an incident report, an officer found Riley in the woods, beaten to death.
“The evidence suggests this was a solo act,” said Clark. “We took three or four people into custody. However, we’re only going to arrest one.”
Jose Ibarra and his brother Diego were in the United States as undocumented immigrants.
Information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Diego Ibarra “is a citizen of Venezuela and was processed for expedited removal but claimed a credible fear of return to Venezuela. He was consequently released from immigration custody pending adjudication of his claim for asylum on April 30, 2024.”
News Nation reporter Ali Bradley wrote on X: “#BREAKING Multiple DHS sources confirm the suspect in UGA student, Laken Riley’s murder—José Antonio Ibarra is here illegally from Venezuela. CBP documents show he crossed in September of 2022 into El Paso, Texas and was released due to lack of detention space.
“The 26 year old from Venezuela was arrested today by ICEERO Atlanta. He is being charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another— According to UGA Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark.
“Officials say Riley went for a run on the University of Georgia’s Athens campus yesterday and was later found dead,”
In a follow-up tweet, Bradley said: “#BREAKING DHS sources confirm that Jose Antonio Ibarra was arrested 5 months ago in New York.
“Records show he was arrested on 9/14/23 in Queens, NY for injury to child less than 17 and no license.
“According to CBP documents obtained from sources—The sponsor address Jose Antonio Ibarra provided after crossing illegally in El Paso was The Covenant House in New York— Their website says they are a youth homeless shelter,”
Jose Antonio Ibarra Athens murdered promising nurse Laken Riley
Laken Riley, a student at the Augusta University College of Nursing, was found dead on the University of Georgia campus in Athens.
A search began for Riley after a friend reported that she had not returned from a morning run.
Her remains were discovered in a wooded area behind Lake Herrick.
UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark described Riley’s death as an “isolated incident” and a “crime of opportunity.”
Investigators suspected “foul play” in her death.
Jose Antonio Ibarra of Athens, Georgia, a suspected illegal immigrant, was arrested for her murder.
Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, posted about missing her daughter the day before she was killed.
UGA assured that there are no indications of a continuing threat to the campus community in connection to Riley’s death.
This is an ongoing investigation, and further details may emerge as more information becomes available.
The University of Georgia Police Department confirmed the arrest of Jose Antonio Ibarra of Athens and stated that there were no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.
The university expressed its condolences to Laken Riley’s family and fellow nursing students, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of the campus community were their top concern.
In an X post, the university wrote, “A suspect in the murder of Laken Riley has been taken into custody by the University of Georgia Police Department. At this time, there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.”
Jose Antonio Ibarra Athens has been charged with:
- Malice Murder: This charge implies that Ibarra intentionally caused Riley’s death.
- Felony Murder: This charge is based on the premise that Riley’s death occurred during the commission of another felony (such as kidnapping or aggravated assault).
- Aggravated Battery: This charge relates to causing serious bodily harm to Riley.
- Aggravated Assault: This charge involves intentionally causing fear of serious bodily harm to Riley.
- False Imprisonment: Ibarra is accused of unlawfully restraining Riley against her will.
- Kidnapping: This charge pertains to forcibly abducting Riley.
- Hindering a 911 Call: Ibarra allegedly prevented or obstructed Riley from making an emergency call.
- Concealing the Death of Another: This charge suggests that Ibarra attempted to hide or cover up Riley’s death.
Augsuta University Nursing
Laken Hope Riley, before she was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, was studying nursing at the Augusta University in Athens.
The Augusta University College of Nursing has a rich history and has played a significant role in nursing education.
Here are some key points about its background:
The College of Nursing began with three programs: Anatomy and Surgery, Institutes and Practices of Medicine and Diseases of Women and Children, and Materia Medica, Chemistry, and Pharmacy.
The College of Nursing offered its first classes in the 1940s.
In 1943, the College of Nursing became the state’s first nationally accredited baccalaureate nursing program.
Since then, nearly 20,000 nurses have graduated from the College of Nursing.
These graduates have made significant contributions to improving healthcare accessibility and quality in Georgia, the United States, and around the world.
Graduates of the College of Nursing are now located across the globe.
They have helped shape healthcare practices and policies, benefiting individuals, families, and communities worldwide.
The College of Nursing provides both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Prelicensure BSN and MSN programs produce nearly 400 graduates annually, with excellent NCLEX pass rates and high employability.
Post-Graduate Certificates, most Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, and the PhD in Nursing are offered online to accommodate working nurses.
The state-of-the-art simulation lab enhances learning experiences, promotes patient safety, and develops student competencies in clinical settings.
The College of Nursing provides over $125,000 in scholarships for students each year.
Alumni, donors, and sponsors contribute to these scholarships, supporting nursing education and excellence.
Mission and Vision:
Mission: The College of Nursing aims to provide leadership through excellent and innovative nursing education, research, practice, and service in diverse environments.
Its goal is to promote health, healing, and well-being.
Vision: The College of Nursing aspires to be a top-tier institution recognized for excellence, innovation, and transformation of healthcare through evidence-based education and practice.
Accreditations:
The College of Nursing holds several collective and program accreditations:
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Anesthesia
- Georgia Board of Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Leader Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
- The College of Nursing continues to shape the future of nursing by providing outstanding education, research, and service to the healthcare community.
Thank you for reading Jose Antonio Ibarra Athens – Who is Illegal Immigrant Arrested for Laken Riley Murder?
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