Father of Slain UGA Student Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Lawsuit alleges negligence by Georgia university system and apartment complex in student's 2024 murder

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The father of Laken Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University who was killed on the University of Georgia campus in 2024, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the University System of Georgia and the apartment complex where the convicted murderer was living. The lawsuit alleges the university system failed to warn students and the public about a threat posed by the suspect the morning before the murder, and that the apartment complex failed to properly screen the tenant, an undocumented immigrant with a criminal history.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about campus safety, the screening of students and employees, and the responsibilities of universities and property managers to protect the public. It also raises questions about the role of immigration status and criminal history in housing decisions.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on the morning before Laken Riley's murder, a UGA student called 911 to report that an unknown man, later identified as Jose Ibarra, had looked through her dorm window and was at her front door. Ibarra had previously been convicted on a Peeping Tom charge related to this incident. The lawsuit alleges the university system failed to warn students and the public about this threat, and that if they had, Ibarra would not have had the opportunity to assault and murder Laken Riley. The lawsuit also claims the apartment complex where Ibarra lived with other undocumented immigrants, including his brothers, failed to properly screen tenants and allowed Ibarra to live there despite his criminal history and immigration status.

  • In February 2024, Laken Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was killed while out on a run on the University of Georgia campus.
  • Also in 2024, Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for Laken Riley's murder.
  • On February 27, 2026, Laken Riley's father, Jason Riley, filed the wrongful death lawsuit against the University System of Georgia and Argo Apartments in Athens.

The players

Laken Riley

A nursing student at Augusta University who was killed on the University of Georgia campus in 2024.

Jason Riley

Laken Riley's father, who filed the wrongful death lawsuit against the University System of Georgia and the apartment complex.

Jose Ibarra

The undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for Laken Riley's murder in 2024.

University System of Georgia

The defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit, accused of failing to warn students and the public about the threat posed by Ibarra prior to Laken Riley's murder.

Argo Apartments

The apartment complex in Athens where Ibarra lived, also named as a defendant in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to properly screen tenants.

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What they’re saying

“Had Defendant Board of Regents warned the public, the Athens community, and students such as Ms. Riley of the threat posed by Ibarra, Ibarra would not have had the opportunity to assault and murder Ms. Riley in February 2024.”

— Jason Riley, Laken Riley's father (Lawsuit)

What’s next

The lawsuit was filed in Gwinnett County State Court on February 27, 2026. The judge will determine whether the case can proceed and if the university system and apartment complex can be held liable for Laken Riley's death.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges universities and property managers face in balancing safety, security, and civil liberties. It also raises difficult questions about the role of immigration status and criminal history in housing decisions, and the responsibilities of institutions to warn the public about potential threats.