A Georgia judge has turned down the request for a new trial from the convicted killer of Laken Riley, citing the “overwhelming and powerful” evidence presented during the original proceedings.
As reported by CBS News, Judge H. Patrick Haggard of Clarke County Superior Court issued the decision against Jose Ibarra’s appeal in an order on Monday, emphasizing the strength of the evidence from the 2024 trial.
According to CrimeOnline, Ibarra was convicted on multiple charges including felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and being a “peeping Tom.”
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Following the trial, Ibarra’s legal team sought a new trial, contending that the court had made “errors of law that necessitate a new trial.”
The defense specifically argued that Ibarra’s legal rights were compromised when the court refused to grant a delay, which they claimed was necessary for experts to have more time to examine DNA evidence, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
When denying the request, Haggard stated that the the defense lawyers “effectively challenged the TrueAllele DNA evidence at trial.”
They also challenged how two cellphones were seized, arguing that the phones were not included on the search warrant.
The judge denied the request, noting the “exigent circumstances authorizing the seizure of the cellphones.”
Ibarra, a Venezuelan who entered the U.S. illegally, attacked and killed 22-year-old Riley in February 2024, while she jogged in Athens.
“When Laken Riley refused to be his rape victim, he bashed her skull in with a rock repeatedly,” Prosecutor Sheila Ross said during the trial.
“She fought for her life, for her dignity.”
Ibarra’s defense team reportedly plan to appeal Haggard’s ruling.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Laken Hope Riley/Facebook]
