Police Arrest Illegal Alien for Murder of Georgia Nursing Student; Arrest Brother for Immigration Fraud

Last Friday, Georgia police arrested Jose Ibarra, a 26 year-old illegal alien from Venezuela, for the murder of nursing student Laken Riley in Athens, Georgia. Earlier that day, Ms. Riley’s body was found with “visible injuries” near the University of Georgia campus after a friend called to report she had not returned after going for a jog that morning. According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Chief, Ms. Riley died of blunt force trauma.

Police quickly obtained video surveillance from the university campus and launched an investigation. After confirming Jose Ibarra’s involvement in the crime, officers immediately initiated a search. They did not have to look far as Jose Ibarra and his brother, Diego Ibarra, lived within two miles from the area where Ms. Riley’s body was found. Police spotted a man walking on the street who matched the suspect’s description and stopped him. However, federal prosecutors said that man was actually Diego Ibarra, Jose’s brother. Diego presented officers with a green card as identification, which was determined to be fake. He was taken into custody.

Only hours later, Jose Ibarra was arrested for Ms. Riley’s murder and details of his background quickly surfaced. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Jose Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally on September 8, 2022 near El Paso, Texas. He was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol and released into the U.S. on parole with the intention of seeking asylum. In September 2023, Jose Ibarra was arrested in New York City and charged with child endangerment and a motor vehicle license violation and was then released. ICE claims the NYPD released Jose before the agency could issue a detainer keeping him in custody.

After Jose’s arrest in Georgia last week, the details of his brother, Diego Ibarra, also began to surface. According to the Department of Justice, Diego is also an illegal alien from Venezuela. When encountered at the border, officials initially placed him in expedited removal proceedings, but Diego claimed asylum and was released on April 30, 2023, pending the adjudication of his asylum claim. Authorities believe Diego arrived in Georgia by September 2023, around which time he was arrested in Athens and charged with driving under the influence and driving without a license. Officials say said Diego Ibarra was arrested again for shoplifting in October 2023 and then again in December 2023 for failing to appear for fingerprinting. Since early February, Diego Ibarra was working as a dishwasher at one of the dining halls at the University of Georgia. Diego used the fake green card to obtain the job.

Both brothers now face serious criminal charges. Jose Ibarra has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping and hindering a 911 call. Diego Ibarra is being charged with immigration violations and could face ten years in prison. Both brothers are being held without bond.

Ms. Riley’s family, friends, and the greater University of Georgia community are now left mourning the loss of Ms. Riley and her senseless death. Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz said that the killing was affecting everyone. “As a parent myself of a child who is walking the streets of this town every day, it is so difficult to see these kinds of experiences happen,” he said. “And so I’m feeling for the family of the young woman in question and all of her friends and loved ones.”

Ms. Riley’s friends described her as a great friend, student and roommate, who loved running, dancing and singing, and who had an infectious laugh. Riley’s Alpha Chi Omega sorority at the University of Georgia will host a vigil Monday in remembrance of the victim and another UGA student who died on campus last week.

Over the weekend, the Riley family released a statement regarding Laken’s murder. It read in part: “Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and overall person in general. Her love for the Lord was exemplified in every aspect of her life. She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way…. During this most difficult time, we ask that you respect our privacy, and provide us the time and space necessary to grieve our daughter’s life that was tragically cut short.” Riley’s family announced a funeral service would be held for Laken this Friday.