Man Convicted in Laken Riley's Murder Seeks New Trial

Jose Ibarra, who was found guilty in 2024, argues his constitutional rights were violated during the trial process.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man convicted of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley in 2024, is set to appear in court on Friday to argue for a new trial. Ibarra's lawyers claim his constitutional rights were violated by the judge's denial of a request to delay the trial so the defense could review key evidence, as well as the admission of cellphone evidence the defense sought to exclude.

Why it matters

Ibarra's case heightened tensions in the national debate over immigration, as he had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while pursuing his immigration case. The Laken Riley Act, the first bill signed by President Donald Trump, was inspired by her killing and requires the detention of people in the country without authorization who are accused of theft and violent crimes.

The details

Prosecutors said Ibarra encountered Riley while she was running on the University of Georgia campus in Athens in February 2024 and killed her during a struggle. Ibarra was convicted in November 2024 of murder and other crimes and sentenced to life in prison. His lawyers are now arguing that his constitutional rights were violated by the judge's denial of a request to delay the trial so the defense could review key evidence, as well as the admission of cellphone evidence the defense sought to exclude.

  • Laken Riley was killed on February 22, 2024.
  • Ibarra was convicted in November 2024.
  • Ibarra's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial within weeks of his conviction.
  • New lawyers have since taken over Ibarra's case and filed an amended motion for a new trial earlier this month.
  • The hearing on Ibarra's request for a new trial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Jose Ibarra

A 28-year-old Venezuelan man who was convicted of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley in 2024. Ibarra had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while he pursued his immigration case.

Laken Riley

A 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was killed on the University of Georgia campus in Athens in February 2024.

H. Patrick Haggard

The Clarke County Superior Court judge who heard and decided Ibarra's case after Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to grant Ibarra a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and the debate over how to handle individuals who enter the country illegally and are accused of crimes. The Laken Riley Act, inspired by her killing, reflects the political response to such cases.