GUILTY GA - University of Georgia Laken Hope Riley, 22, found dead near University of Georgia intramural fields, foul play suspected, 22 Feb 2024

[arielilane]

Additional charges in the 10-count indictment include aggravated battery, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, obstructing or hindering a person making an emergency telephone call and tampering with evidence. The latter charge alleged that he "knowingly concealed" evidence -- including the jacket found in the dumpster -- involving the offense of malice murder.

Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial. The case is being presented in the Athens-Clarke County courtroom to Judge H. Patrick Haggard, who will render a verdict

Laken Riley murder suspect seen with multiple scratches day after killing: Officers

Special prosecutor Sheila Ross said last week that Ibarra was "hunting" for women on the campus and encountered Riley while she was on her run.

abc13.com

11/18/2024

 

[arielilane]

Court [Day 2] ended for the day around 4:45 pm and will resume at 8:30 am ET tomorrow.

 

[StarryStarryNight]

Is it possible for somebody to summarize what went on today. I was unable to watch because I was sick. I’m better now but didn’t see anything.

 

[shotgun09]

Is it possible for somebody to summarize what went on today. I was unable to watch because I was sick. I’m better now but didn’t see anything.

Glad you are feeling better!
Today's trial flew by with witnesses. Mostly LE, who followed up with earlier in the day stalking by Ibarra. The witness who was "peeped " on was on the stand, hidden from camera view.

Many other LE who followed and got search warrants, and initially interviewed Ibarra, saw the scratches on his hands and arms.

The last few were phone tech-y kind of witnesses, who pinned him down via phone where Laken was found.

I have never followed a bench trial before, but man...they fly through.

Here is a link for today's court, in case you are up for it!

 

[SamiSleuth]

I'm local to this crime. I'm retired and have loads of time, but didn't watch much today because...other priorities, lol! Here's my disjointed summary of the bits this afternoon that I saw:
The prosecution was trying to get the phone calls from the jail between Ibarra and his roommate (?Layling?) admitted. There was a lot of back and forth over whether the FBI translator was qualified as an expert, testifying to the truth of the matter or was it hearsay? It was interesting to hear the judge try to determine what was admissible. At one point, he talked it through out loud: (paraphrasing) Normally, we'd be in a hearing in limine and I'd listen to what you want to present, then decide if you can present it to the jury. Now, I'm supposed to rule without seeing what you want to present. I think I have to listen to what you want to present and then make a determination if I will consider it in making my judgement as the trier of fact. Neither side had any better solution, but that's when the defense started in about hearsay, no normal discovery re: expert witness, etc. I went back outside to fill bird feeders, transplant some pansies and piddle around in the garden before I heard the resolution of that matter.
When I came back in, they were in the middle of a technical presentation about Laken's phone and Ibarra's phone and the location data during the assault. Defense cross seemed to focus on being confused about whether airplane mode and/or turning off wi-fi interfered with the ability to get good results. There was also some stuff about a time delay that could change location data. I don't understand the technical bits. The witness did a good job of explaining that none of that could have applied in this case because they had data, lol! So it's a moot point to argue if towers would have picked up the signal if the phone was in airplane mode because the towers did pick up the signal. Shortly after he made that point, they finished up the cross, lol!
They discussed some scheduling. Sounds like the prosecution will rest tomorrow and the defense expects to only have about a half day of witness testimony for it's case in chief. They'll have witnesses available to start their case tomorrow afternoon after the prosecution rests.

 

[StarryStarryNight]

I'm local to this crime. I'm retired and have loads of time, but didn't watch much today because...other priorities, lol! Here's my disjointed summary of the bits this afternoon that I saw:
The prosecution was trying to get the phone calls from the jail between Ibarra and his roommate (?Layling?) admitted. There was a lot of back and forth over whether the FBI translator was qualified as an expert, testifying to the truth of the matter or was it hearsay? It was interesting to hear the judge try to determine what was admissible. At one point, he talked it through out loud: (paraphrasing) Normally, we'd be in a hearing in limine and I'd listen to what you want to present, then decide if you can present it to the jury. Now, I'm supposed to rule without seeing what you want to present. I think I have to listen to what you want to present and then make a determination if I will consider it in making my judgement as the trier of fact. Neither side had any better solution, but that's when the defense started in about hearsay, no normal discovery re: expert witness, etc. I went back outside to fill bird feeders, transplant some pansies and piddle around in the garden before I heard the resolution of that matter.
When I came back in, they were in the middle of a technical presentation about Laken's phone and Ibarra's phone and the location data during the assault. Defense cross seemed to focus on being confused about whether airplane mode and/or turning off wi-fi interfered with the ability to get good results. There was also some stuff about a time delay that could change location data. I don't understand the technical bits. The witness did a good job of explaining that none of that could have applied in this case because they had data, lol! So it's a moot point to argue if towers would have picked up the signal if the phone was in airplane mode because the towers did pick up the signal. Shortly after he made that point, they finished up the cross, lol!
They discussed some scheduling. Sounds like the prosecution will rest tomorrow and the defense expects to only have about a half day of witness testimony for it's case in chief. They'll have witnesses available to start their case tomorrow afternoon after the prosecution rests.

Thanks for the summary!

 

[StarryStarryNight]

I'm local to this crime. I'm retired and have loads of time, but didn't watch much today because...other priorities, lol! Here's my disjointed summary of the bits this afternoon that I saw:
The prosecution was trying to get the phone calls from the jail between Ibarra and his roommate (?Layling?) admitted. There was a lot of back and forth over whether the FBI translator was qualified as an expert, testifying to the truth of the matter or was it hearsay? It was interesting to hear the judge try to determine what was admissible. At one point, he talked it through out loud: (paraphrasing) Normally, we'd be in a hearing in limine and I'd listen to what you want to present, then decide if you can present it to the jury. Now, I'm supposed to rule without seeing what you want to present. I think I have to listen to what you want to present and then make a determination if I will consider it in making my judgement as the trier of fact. Neither side had any better solution, but that's when the defense started in about hearsay, no normal discovery re: expert witness, etc. I went back outside to fill bird feeders, transplant some pansies and piddle around in the garden before I heard the resolution of that matter.
When I came back in, they were in the middle of a technical presentation about Laken's phone and Ibarra's phone and the location data during the assault. Defense cross seemed to focus on being confused about whether airplane mode and/or turning off wi-fi interfered with the ability to get good results. There was also some stuff about a time delay that could change location data. I don't understand the technical bits. The witness did a good job of explaining that none of that could have applied in this case because they had data, lol! So it's a moot point to argue if towers would have picked up the signal if the phone was in airplane mode because the towers did pick up the signal. Shortly after he made that point, they finished up the cross, lol!
They discussed some scheduling. Sounds like the prosecution will rest tomorrow and the defense expects to only have about a half day of witness testimony for it's case in chief. They'll have witnesses available to start their case tomorrow afternoon after the prosecution rests.

Thank you for the summary!

 

[Luna20]

#LakenRiley was brutally murdered during a run on the University of Georgia campus. The trial for her accused murderer #JoseIbarra today Friday, November 15. I’m headed into court - I’ll update as I can.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1857408814229713229

Laken Riley! In one of the most compelling moments to me was when Sheila Ross had the GBI CSI point to all injuries on the accused body: his hands, knuckles, wrist, side of his neck, front of his throat, on his back - Laken Fought!!!!! She fought her killer for 17 minutes!!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1857609137854591458

According to Riley's smartwatch, she fought her killer from 9:10 am until her heart stopped at 9:28 am."He went hunting for females on the University of Georgia campus, and on his hunt, he encountered 22-year-old Laken Riley on her morning jog," prosecutor Sheila Ross said.

Sheryl was inside the courtroom for first day. Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum critique the developments of the Laken Riley murder trial in Athens, Georgia. Nancy and Sheryl focus on the prosecution, and the bench trial.

https://iheart.com/podcast/1119-zone-7-with-sheryl-mccoll-106023288/episode/111524-cru-with-nancy-grace-the-laken-riley-trial-analysis-i-238788569?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false

View attachment 545668


Laken Riley’s roommates referred to each other as family! Her family showed up for her yesterday! It was powerful to watch these young ladies stay composed and tell of their combined efforts to find their missing friend! Three of the many Heroes I watched yesterday!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1857827331856904340

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum critique the developments of the Laken Riley murder trial in Athens, Georgia. Nancy and Sheryl focus on the defense's controversial decision to opt for a bench trial rather than a jury trial.

x.com

He has hatred in his eye’s towards Laken.

 

[arielilane]

Posted 10 hours ago




@149Zone7

The State will rest tomorrow in the case against Laken Riley’s killer. Today we heard another woman talk about seeing him on the running trail acting suspicious around 0830 - I said from day one he was hunting.

 

[arielilane]

RECAP: Laken Riley murder trial wraps second day

Jose Ibarra is accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley on University of Georgia’s campus in February.

www.wrdw.com

 

[arielilane]

@149Zone7

Laken Riley’s killer was not deterred by other men milling about while he attempted to gain access into a first floor apartment. This was an hour before he attacked and murdered Laken. He was hunting for a victim and did not care who it was.

 

[CHEL]

Are they at lunch?

 

[SamiSleuth]

Are they at lunch?

Yes, but should be returning shortly. (?12:30pm)

 

[espirtu pampa]

I'm local to this crime. I'm retired and have loads of time, but didn't watch much today because...other priorities, lol! Here's my disjointed summary of the bits this afternoon that I saw:
The prosecution was trying to get the phone calls from the jail between Ibarra and his roommate (?Layling?) admitted. There was a lot of back and forth over whether the FBI translator was qualified as an expert, testifying to the truth of the matter or was it hearsay? It was interesting to hear the judge try to determine what was admissible. At one point, he talked it through out loud: (paraphrasing) Normally, we'd be in a hearing in limine and I'd listen to what you want to present, then decide if you can present it to the jury. Now, I'm supposed to rule without seeing what you want to present. I think I have to listen to what you want to present and then make a determination if I will consider it in making my judgement as the trier of fact. Neither side had any better solution, but that's when the defense started in about hearsay, no normal discovery re: expert witness, etc. I went back outside to fill bird feeders, transplant some pansies and piddle around in the garden before I heard the resolution of that matter.
When I came back in, they were in the middle of a technical presentation about Laken's phone and Ibarra's phone and the location data during the assault. Defense cross seemed to focus on being confused about whether airplane mode and/or turning off wi-fi interfered with the ability to get good results. There was also some stuff about a time delay that could change location data. I don't understand the technical bits. The witness did a good job of explaining that none of that could have applied in this case because they had data, lol! So it's a moot point to argue if towers would have picked up the signal if the phone was in airplane mode because the towers did pick up the signal. Shortly after he made that point, they finished up the cross, lol!
They discussed some scheduling. Sounds like the prosecution will rest tomorrow and the defense expects to only have about a half day of witness testimony for it's case in chief. They'll have witnesses available to start their case tomorrow afternoon after the prosecution rests.

Layling is Jose Ibara's wife.

 

[Dotta]

"New bodycam reveals
Laken Riley murder suspect Jose Ibarra's chilling reaction after cops busted him."

Bodycam footage reveals Laken Riley murder suspect's chilling reaction

Jose Ibarra, an undocumented migrant who arrived in America from Venezuela, was sleeping on a mattress on the floor when police arrived at the unit in Athens, Georgia.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[ACG2x]

There was a slip today during the medical examiner's testimony when the camera was on the judge just as he was flipping through autopsy pictures as the ME described her injuries. Unfortunately the camera was on a close-up of him just as he was turning the page and the pictures appeared to be double-sided so a graphic picture of her body was clearly in frame. I really hope that gets censored or blurred .

And no I'm not telling anyone where they can find it, etc. I was watching and it just happened. That image is burned into my brain now and I wish it wasn't. Please please grant Laken justice from this animal.

Edit: Mods please feel free to delete this if it violates some rule. It was more to warn people if you are watching the replay there’s a possibility that will come up because it was clear as day on the stream.

 

[dotr]

 

[arielilane]

There was a slip today during the medical examiner's testimony when the camera was on the judge just as he was flipping through autopsy pictures as the ME described her injuries. Unfortunately the camera was on a close-up of him just as he was turning the page and the pictures appeared to be double-sided so a graphic picture of her body was clearly in frame. I really hope that gets censored or blurred .

And no I'm not telling anyone where they can find it, etc. I was watching and it just happened. That image is burned into my brain now and I wish it wasn't. Please please grant Laken justice from this animal.

Edit: Mods please feel free to delete this if it violates some rule. It was more to warn people if you are watching the replay there’s a possibility that will come up because it was clear as day on the stream.

Thank you for the heads up. Unfortunately, it happens a lot during live streaming of trials. Not saying it's an excuse just that it happens. jmo


edited:I believe judge ordered the camera not to film autopsy testimony - Camera is on State Seal as precaution.

 

[Sustained]

You know the case is a slam dunk when the 1st defense witness is called to say he saw a suspicious character on the running trails @ ~9:40am but couldn't see his face and identify his race and Ross basically embarrassed him on the stand. 2nd witness from the apartment complex (Diego's sometimes GF) was just as bad. Sheila Ross is a rock star prosecutor and has done nothing to change my opinion during this trial. I can't imagine the judge taking more than a few hours to make the guilty call and issue the LWOP sentence.

Kudos to the ACPD for apprehending the entire Ibarra clan and forwarding to the appropriate jurisdiction for prosecution.
With Ibarra jailed for life, perhaps the Riley family and the entire UGA community can begin to heal. UGA has had its share of other issues including a few alleged dorm rapes the last few years, but I hope all female runners can get out there without fear of attack.

 

[Curious Me]

Man Caught on Video Before Allegedly Killing Laken Riley

I do appreciate this witness testifying. It's too bad this male running witness couldn't say for sure if it was the defendant. He did think he saw a logo on the hat, but not what the logo was. It would've been great if he could've pointed to Ibarra and loudly said it was him.​

Runner on UGA's campus recalls moment he called police | Jose Ibarra trial