Man Convicted of Killing Georgia Nursing Student Seeks New Trial

Judge hears testimony from DNA expert in case of Jose Ibarra, who was found guilty of murdering Laken Riley in 2024.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A judge in Georgia is considering whether to grant a new trial to Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man convicted of killing nursing student Laken Riley in 2024. Ibarra's attorneys have argued that his constitutional rights were violated and are seeking to have his guilty verdict and life sentence vacated. The judge heard testimony from a DNA expert retained by Ibarra's lawyers, who said she could not rule out the possibility that Ibarra's DNA was transferred onto evidence indirectly.

Why it matters

This case has heightened tensions in the national debate over immigration, as Ibarra had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while pursuing his immigration case. Riley's killing led to the passage of the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of people who are in the country without authorization and are accused of theft and violent crimes.

The details

Ibarra was convicted in November 2024 of murder and other crimes in Riley's death nine months earlier. His trial attorneys had asked the judge to delay the trial so an expert could review the DNA evidence, but the request was denied. The expert, Ruth Ballard, testified that she could not rule out the possibility that Ibarra's DNA was transferred onto evidence indirectly. Ibarra's lawyers are arguing that his constitutional rights were violated by the judge's denial of the delay request and the admission of cellphone evidence the defense sought to exclude.

  • Laken Riley was killed on February 22, 2024.
  • Ibarra was convicted in November 2024.
  • The Laken Riley Act was the first bill signed by President Donald Trump upon taking office in 2025.

The players

Jose Ibarra

A Venezuelan man convicted of murdering Laken Riley in 2024. He had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while pursuing his immigration case.

Laken Riley

A 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University College of Nursing who was killed while running on the University of Georgia campus in Athens in 2024.

Ruth Ballard

A DNA expert retained by Ibarra's attorneys to analyze evidence in his murder case.

H. Patrick Haggard

The Clarke County Superior Court judge presiding over Ibarra's case and considering his request for a new trial.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the Laken Riley Act into law in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.