Foreign National Arrested for Murder of Nursing Student at University of Georgia
OAN’s Sophia Flores
6:35 PM – Friday, February 23, 2024
A suspect has been taken into custody by police for the murder of a nursing student that was found on the University of Georgia campus.
22-year-old Laken Hope Riley, a nursing student at the Augusta University College of Nursing, was reported missing on Thursday by her roommate after she failed to return home after a run, which was untypical of her.
Soon after, officials extensively searched for the missing student and found her “not breathing,” with “visible injuries” in a forested area near Lake Herrick. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, a suspect was taken into custody on Friday by law enforcement.
“A suspect in the murder of Laken Riley has been taken into custody by the University of Georgia Police Department,” the university police announced in a statement. “At this time, there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.”
University of Georgia Police announced that Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, 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.
Police believe that the 26-year old, who lives in Athens, Georgia, but is not a U.S. citizen, “most likely did not know his victim.”
“Rest assured that the University of Georgia police in cooperation with Athens-Clarke County police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are continuing to work around the clock to resolve this crime and to bring anyone involved into justice,” Greg Trevor, a spokesman with the University of Georgia, said.
On Friday morning, before Ibarra’s name was released to the public, three individuals were taken into custody at an apartment complex near the crime scene. However, it is unclear if Ibarra was one of the three people taken in.
Due to rising fears and controversy at the college, all classes at the University of Georgia have been canceled until Monday. Additionally, classes at Augusta University’s Athens campus are cancelled.
The university said that the campus would remain open as a gathering place for students, faculty and staff.
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How can the university community access counseling services and resources for support?
Culty, and staff to support one another during this difficult time. Counseling services and resources are also being made available to the university community.
The tragic murder of Laken Riley has sent shockwaves through the University of Georgia and the surrounding community. Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student known for her kindness and dedication to helping others, was brutally killed while out on a run. The news of her untimely death has left her family, friends, and classmates devastated.
The swift action taken by law enforcement has provided some relief. University of Georgia Police, in collaboration with Athens-Clarke County police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, have apprehended a suspect in connection to the murder. Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old resident of Athens, Georgia, has been charged with multiple crimes, including malice murder and aggravated assault. The police believe that Ibarra did not know his victim.
Despite the progress in the investigation, the university acknowledges the impact and fear this incident has caused among the student body. As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety and well-being of its community, the University of Georgia has decided to cancel all classes until Monday. The decision also extends to Augusta University’s Athens campus. This break will allow students, faculty, and staff the time they need to process their emotions and seek support if necessary.
In the wake of this tragedy, the University of Georgia stresses its commitment to diligently working towards resolving the crime and bringing all those involved to justice. The campus will remain open as a support system, providing a gathering place for those affected to find solace and comfort.
The loss of a promising young student like Laken Riley is a painful reminder of the importance of safety on college campuses. It serves as a call to action to strengthen security measures and enhance community support systems.
As the University of Georgia and its community mourn the loss of Laken Riley, they are also united in their determination to ensure that such a tragedy doesn’t happen again. The resilience and unity displayed in the face of this horrific event will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the strength of the university community.
In this time of grief and healing, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Laken Riley. May they find peace and comfort in the midst of such profound sorrow.
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