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UGA campus death: Name of suspect arrested in death of Laken Riley revealed
A suspect in the death of August University student Laken Riley, who was found dead on the campus of the University of Georgia, has been taken into custody, according to the UGA Police Department.
UGA campus death: Name of suspect arrested in death of Laken Riley revealed
By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Published February 23, 2024 10:07AM
Updated 7:58PM
UGA murder suspect press conference
Officials give an update on a suspect in the murder of Laken Riley on UGA campus
ATHENS, Ga. - A suspect in the death of August University student Laken Riley, who was found dead on the campus of the University of Georgia, has been taken into custody, according to the UGA Police Department.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, who lives in Athens. He will be booked into the Clarke County Jail on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another. Online jail records indicate he had not been booked into the facility as of 7:15 p.m.
During a press conference on Friday evening, investigators revealed Ibarra did not know Riley and this was a crime of opportunity. They say the campus camera system and witnesses were able to lead them to the suspect. They are still collecting evidence at his home.
University officials went on to say there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.
Riley was reported missing by a friend to UGA's police department at approximately 12:07 p.m. on Feb. 22. The caller informed the police that the 22-year-old nursing student had gone for a run near the Intramural Fields earlier in the day and had not returned as expected.
Upon receiving the report, officers responded promptly and initiated a search. At around 12:38 p.m., a body was discovered in the forested area behind Lake Herrick.
UGA murder: Person of interest in death of Laken Riley
The investigation into the death of Laken Riley on the UGA campus on Thursday continues. Friday morning, police took a person of interest into custody and searched a nearby apartment complex in connection to the murder of the 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student. The latest on the investigation.
UGA police enlisted the assistance of the Athens-Clarke County police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in their ongoing investigation. On Thursday evening, they held a press conference, disclosing that the victim was a nursing student at Augusta University. Authorities reassured the public that efforts were underway to locate the perpetrator, emphasizing that there was no "immediate threat" to the community. The cause of Riley's death was not disclosed.
In response to the tragic incident, students in Athens gathered for a vigil on Thursday night. Expressing their desire to come together during what had been a distressing 24 hours on campus, one student remarked, "It's just like I have to be extra, extra careful and be extra protective, and it's just super scary."
The area around Lake Herrick is widely used by students and others for jogging.
Who is Laken Hope Riley
Laken Hope Riley. Photo courtesy of University of Augusta.
Police confirmed on Thursday night that the victim was a nursing student at Augusta University. Riley was a student at UGA through Spring Semester 2023, at which time she transferred to the nursing program in Athens.
Riley was a graduate of River Ridge High School in Cherokee County. Supt. Dr. Brian V. Hightower says schools are currently on break, but River Ridge High School counselors will be available to any student, teacher or staff member who needs their help when school resumes. They also released the following statement:
"Our community and our world lost a shining light with the tragic passing of Laken. 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."