Judge Denies New Trial for Man Convicted of Killing Georgia Nursing Student

Jose Ibarra was found guilty of murdering Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus in 2024.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A judge has rejected a request for a new trial for Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan man convicted of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley in 2024. Ibarra's lawyers argued his constitutional rights were violated when the judge declined two defense motions before trial, but the judge ruled the evidence of Ibarra's guilt was "overwhelming and powerful."

Why it matters

This case became a flashpoint 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. The judge's denial of a new trial upholds Ibarra's conviction and life sentence for the murder of the 22-year-old nursing student.

The details

Prosecutors said Ibarra encountered Riley while she was running on the University of Georgia campus in Athens on February 22, 2024, and killed her during a struggle. Ibarra's trial attorneys had asked the judge to delay the trial to allow a DNA expert more time to review evidence, but the judge denied this request. The judge also denied a motion to exclude some cellphone evidence, ruling there were "exigent circumstances" authorizing the seizure of the phones.

  • 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 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 on the University of Georgia campus in 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 (latimes.com)

What’s next

Ibarra has 30 days to file a notice of appeal against the judge's denial of his motion for a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration and the criminal justice system, as well as the challenges in balancing due process and DNA evidence in high-profile murder trials.