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

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant, was found guilty of murdering Laken Riley in 2024 and sentenced to life in prison.

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, but the judge ruled the evidence of Ibarra's guilt was "overwhelming and powerful." Ibarra, who had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, was found guilty of murder and other charges after a bench trial and sentenced to life in prison.

Why it matters

The case became a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration after Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant, was convicted of murdering Riley, a college student. The judge's denial of a new trial upholds the original conviction and sentence, which is likely to further inflame the ongoing political tensions around immigration and public safety.

The details

Ibarra's lawyers had requested a delay in the trial to allow a DNA expert more time to review evidence, and they also challenged the seizure of two cellphones from Ibarra's apartment. However, the judge ruled that Ibarra's lawyers effectively challenged the DNA evidence at trial and that there were "exigent circumstances" authorizing the cellphone 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 entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was convicted of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

Laken Riley

A Georgia nursing student who was killed while running on the University of Georgia campus in Athens 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 (ksgf.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 has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration, with the conviction and sentencing of an undocumented immigrant for murder fueling ongoing political tensions around public safety and immigration policy.