Athens, Georgia – New court documents have shed light on the tragic murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, revealing shocking details about the violent attack that took her life while she was out for a run. A newly-filed affidavit accuses Jose Antonio Ibarra, the suspected killer, of “disfiguring her skull” during the assault.
The affidavit, obtained on Tuesday, lists a range of charges that Ibarra is facing, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and kidnapping in connection with Riley’s death. It alleges that Ibarra used an object to strike Riley, causing severe head trauma.
While the affidavit did not specify the exact object used, a preliminary autopsy report indicated that Riley died from blunt force head trauma. The official autopsy report is still pending and will take several weeks to complete.
In addition to the physical assault, the affidavit also claims that Ibarra attempted to conceal Riley’s death by moving her to a secluded area. During the attack, Riley reportedly tried to call 911, but her attempts were thwarted by her attacker.
Riley had gone for a run on the University of Georgia Intramural Fields on February 22nd, prompting her roommate to contact the police when she failed to return home. The incident is said to have occurred between 9am and 1pm on the same day.
Ibarra, a non-US citizen, was arrested for Riley’s murder and is currently being held in custody without bond after ICE lodged a detainer on him. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Ibarra’s background, with discrepancies noted in his interactions with law enforcement prior to the murder.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department working alongside the university police department. The campus community has come together to remember Riley, describing her as a bright light and a dedicated individual with a passion for making the world a better place.