Undocumented immigrant sentenced to life in prison for murder of student in US

HOUSTON, United States

An undocumented Venezuelan immigrant convicted Wednesday in the murder of nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia was sentenced to life in prison without parole.​​​​​​​

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was convicted on three counts of felony murder with additional counts of malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape and being a peeping Tom.

Riley, a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student, was murdered Feb. 22 by Ibarra while she was on a run on the University of Georgia campus in the city of Athens -- 70 miles (112 kilometers) east of Atlanta.

"There is no end to the pain, suffering and loss that we have experienced or will continue to endure," Riley's mother, Allyson Phillips, told the judge before Ibarra's verdict was read. "On that horrific day, my precious daughter was attacked, beaten and shown no mercy. She fought (for) her life and dignity and to save herself from being brutally raped."

"This sick, twisted and evil coward showed no regard for Laken or human life," Phillips said. "We are asking the same be done to him."

Riley's killing drew national attention to the immigration debate after officials announced that Ibarra was a Venezuelan citizen who illegally entered the country at the US-Mexico border in 2022.

President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Party used Riley's death as part of their campaign’s rallying cry during the presidential election to demand stricter immigration policies at the southern border.

Trump voiced his opinion on social media shortly after Ibarra's verdict was handed down.

"JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "The illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes."

"Although the pain and heartbreak will last forever, hopefully this can help bring some peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for Justice, and to ensure that other families don't have to go through what they have," said Trump. "We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our Border, and remove these criminals and thugs from our Country, so nothing like this can happen again!"

Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial and did not testify in his own defense.