Man convicted in Laken Riley murder requests new trial

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The man convicted of killing University of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley is scheduled to appear in an Athens-Clarke County courtroom Friday to request a new trial. Jose Ibarra, who is serving two life sentences without parole, argues the judge abused his discretion and violated his Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights, including by not allowing a continuance for his attorneys to retain an expert on complex DNA evidence.

Why it matters

The Laken Riley case garnered significant attention, leading to the passage of the Laken Riley Act which mandates the federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes. Ibarra's request for a new trial could have implications for the enforcement of this law and the broader criminal justice system.

The details

Ibarra was convicted of killing Riley after she fought off his attempt to rape her while she was out running. In his motion for a new trial, Ibarra contends the judge should have allowed a continuance so his attorneys could retain an expert to help understand complex DNA evidence. He also argues the judge should have quashed cell phone evidence used in the case.

• Ibarra is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
• Ibarra was recently convicted and sentenced to two life sentences without parole

What’s next

The judge is scheduled to hear Ibarra's motion for a new trial on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.