Illegal immigrant killer of Laken Riley wins unexpected court victory for mental evaluation
Share this @internewscast.com

The illegal immigrant killer convicted in the death of Georgia college student Laken Riley won a court victory Thursday when a judge ruled he should be mentally evaluated after his attorney claimed last year that he wasn’t competent to stand trial.

Jose Ibarra was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the death of Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student. 

The judge who issued the sentence, Judge Patrick Haggard, on Thursday ordered that the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) conduct a mental evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial and assist with post-conviction proceedings, meaning his appeal case. 

Laken Riley smiles wearing a brown top

Laken Riley poses for a photo posted to Facebook. Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, was found dead near a lake on campus on Feb. 22, 2024.  (Laken Riley/Facebook)

In court documents, prosecutor Sheila Ross said there was no evidence during his trial that suggested Ibarra wasn’t mentally competent. However, she didn’t oppose Ibarra getting evaluated and left it up to Haggard to decide, the Post reported. 

Ibarra, 27, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, attacked and killed Riley as she was jogging along trails near Lake Herrick on the University of Georgia campus.

Prosecutors said Ibarra saw Riley running along popular trails on UGA’s campus just after 9 a.m. and attacked her, dragged her 64 feet into a wooded area and beat her head with a rock repeatedly, killing her.

The case attracted national attention because of Ibarra’s illegal status. He entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration through El Paso, Texas, in September 2022 and was released into the U.S. via parole. 

He was arrested by the New York Police Department in August 2023 and was “charged with acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation” before making his way to Georgia. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Youngsters' firepower poses tricky trade deadline call for Mets

Youthful Talent Forces Difficult Trade Deadline Decision for Mets

SAN DIEGO — Since the All-Star break, the standout narrative for the…
Suspect walking in a parking lot near Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tragic Mass Shooting at Bangkok Market Leaves At Least Six Dead

AT least six people have been killed after a gunman opened fire…
The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

Latest Update: Trump to Hold Trade Talks with UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

President Donald Trump is currently in Scotland for a meeting with British…
Tulsi Gabbard 'Is Lying' Says Ex-CIA Official Who Oversaw Russian Intelligence on the 2016 Elections

Ex-CIA Official Accuses Tulsi Gabbard of False Statements on Russian Intel Involvement in 2016 Election

Retired CIA counterintelligence chief Susan Miller has stepped up in defense of…
Stranded New Orleans residents gathered outside the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

Surviving Chaos: The Struggle of 30,000 People Amid Hurricane Katrina’s Devastation

CRADLING her three-week-old son as shots rang out in the dark, Taffany…
Portland anti-ICE demonstrators confused when person in full-size Elmo costume shows up

Portland Anti-ICE Protesters Surprised by Appearance of Full-Size Elmo Character

An individual dressed as Elmo was recorded provoking protesters at a U.S.…
What to know about the trial of a Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife

Key Information on the Trial of a Colorado Dentist Accused of Poisoning His Wife

DENVER (AP) — The trial of James Craig, a Colorado dentist accused…
America's skies are wide open to national security threats, drone expert warns: 'We have no awareness'

Drone Expert Warns: America’s Skies Vulnerable to Security Threats Due to Lack of Awareness

As drone technology continues to progress at a rapid pace, experts in…
Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 landing.

Delta Pilot Arrested Post-Landing at SFO, Surprising Passengers on Minneapolis Flight

A DELTA co-pilot has been taken into custody, with officers allegedly seen…
Live | Day 2: Jacksonville rapper Ksoo's murder trial continues

Murder Trial of Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo Moves Forward

Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, known by his stage name Ksoo, is being…
Cincinnati mayoral candidate, VP Vance's half-brother, slams city leadership after brutal beatdown

Cincinnati Mayoral Contender, Half-brother of VP Vance, Criticizes City Officials Following Violent Assault

CINCINNATI – A contender for Cincinnati’s mayoral position criticized the city’s administration…
At least 3 people shot within an hour in separate bloody incidents at NYC Dominican Day Parade: sources

Three People Shot in Separate Incidents During NYC Dominican Day Parade: Sources

Police and sources reported that at least three individuals were injured in…