Judge Denies New Trial Request for Jose Ibarra in Laken Riley Murder Case
In an order issued March 10, 2026, Judge Haggard upheld the conviction, describing the evidence presented by the state as “overwhelming and powerful.”
Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard has denied a motion for a new trial filed by Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan national convicted in the 2024 murder of University of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.
In an order issued March 10, 2026, Judge Haggard upheld the conviction, describing the evidence presented by the state as “overwhelming and powerful.” Ibarra was found guilty on all 10 counts, including malice murder and felony murder, following a bench trial in November 2024 after he waived his right to a jury. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The defense argued that Ibarra's constitutional rights were violated when the judge denied a pre-trial motion for a delay to allow more time for a DNA expert to review evidence. They also challenged the admission of cellphone data seized from devices linked to Ibarra, claiming improper procedures.
Judge Haggard rejected these claims, noting the defense had sufficient opportunity to contest the evidence during the trial. He added that the initial seizure of the phones was justified under exigent circumstances, with proper warrants obtained before any search.
Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally prior to the February 22, 2024, attack on Riley, who was jogging near the university campus when she was killed.
The case drew national attention and contributed to the passage of the Laken Riley Act. President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law on January 29, 2025, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to detain noncitizens charged with theft or certain other crimes in the U.S.
Ibarra's attorneys have indicated they plan to appeal the conviction.