Judge Denies New Trial for Man Convicted in Georgia Student's Murder

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant, was found guilty of killing nursing student Laken Riley in 2024.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A judge in Georgia has rejected a request for a new trial for Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man convicted of killing nursing student Laken Riley in 2024. Ibarra's lawyers had argued his constitutional rights were violated, but the judge ruled the evidence of his guilt was "overwhelming and powerful." Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison for the murder, which became a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration.

Why it matters

This case drew national attention as it intersected with the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the U.S. Ibarra had entered the country illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while pursuing his immigration case, raising questions about border security and the treatment of undocumented immigrants accused of 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's lawyers had asked the judge to delay the trial to allow more time for a DNA expert to review evidence, but the judge denied that request, ruling that Ibarra's lawyers had effectively challenged the DNA evidence at trial. The judge also rejected a challenge to the seizure of two cellphones from Ibarra's apartment, saying there were "exigent circumstances" authorizing the seizure.

  • Laken Riley was killed on February 22, 2024.
  • Ibarra's trial took place in November 2024.
  • The judge denied Ibarra's motion for a new trial on March 10, 2026.

The players

Jose Ibarra

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

Laken Riley

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

H. Patrick Haggard

The Clarke County Superior Court judge who presided over Ibarra's trial and denied his motion for a new trial.

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What they’re saying

“The evidence of Ibarra's guilt presented by the state was 'overwhelming and powerful.'”

— H. Patrick Haggard, Judge (wbal.com)

What’s next

Ibarra has 30 days to file a notice of appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, criminal justice, and public safety, as well as the ongoing debate over how to balance the rights of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes with the need to protect local communities.