Judge Denies New Trial Request for Man Convicted in Laken Riley Murder

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A Georgia judge has denied a request for a new trial by Jose Ibarra, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the 2024 murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia. Ibarra's attorneys argued his constitutional rights were violated, but the judge ruled the evidence against him was "overwhelming and powerful."

Why it matters

The Laken Riley case gained national attention as the victim was a young woman and the convicted perpetrator was an immigrant, which fueled political rhetoric around immigration policies. The judge's decision to deny a new trial upholds Ibarra's conviction and life sentence, maintaining the original outcome of the high-profile case.

The details

In 2024, Ibarra was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia. Ibarra's attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated when the judge denied two pretrial motions - one to delay the trial so a defense expert could review DNA evidence, and another to exclude certain cellphone evidence. However, the judge ruled that the evidence against Ibarra was "overwhelming and powerful" and denied his request for a new trial.

• In February 2024, Laken Riley was found dead near the University of Georgia campus.
• Within months of her death, Jose Ibarra was convicted and sentenced for Riley's murder.
• On March 10, 2026, the judge denied Ibarra's request for a new trial.

What’s next

Ibarra's attorneys have 30 days to appeal the judge's order denying a new trial.