Testimony resumed Monday in the trial of Jose Ibarra, who faces murder charges for the death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, allegedly attacked and killed 22-year-old Laken Riley in February while she was out for a jog in Athens.
Ibarra, who entered the U.S. illegally two years ago, is accused of murder and other charges in connection with Riley’s death. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, and his case is being heard by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard.
On Monday, Cpl. Rafael Sayan, a UGA police officer, testified that Ibarra and his brothers appeared to be laughing when police arrived at his apartment the day after Laken Riley’s murder.
“There was a lot of laughing, giggling – especially when they were talking about how they were woken up, pulled out of the apartment,” Sayan said.
“I would say the vibe or the atmosphere was very relaxed and calm.”
Also on Monday,Annie Moorman, a crime scene specialist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, testified about the evidence collected from Ibarra’s apartment the day after Riley’s murder. Investigators retrieved electronic devices and restaurant-style kitchen gloves during the search.
Moorman highlighted the importance of the gloves, explaining that officers had previously found similar gloves in a bush at the apartment complex earlier that day. She also confirmed that no blood was discovered in Ibarra’s apartment.
Last week, prosecutor Sheila Ross showcased security and doorbell camera footage, along with data from Riley’s watch and phone, to outline a timeline of the 22-year-old student’s final moments.
In her opening statement, Ross asserted that Ibarra encountered Riley while she was running on the University of Georgia campus, leading to a fatal struggle.
At the time, Riley was studying at Augusta University College of Nursing.
Defense attorney Dustin Kirby remarked in his opening that Riley’s death was a tragedy and characterized the evidence as graphic and unsettling. However, he contended that the evidence does not prove that his client was the one who killed her.
The trial continues. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Laken Riley/Handout]
