Aside from revealing the final moments of a college student who was found dead in the woods earlier this year, reports have also released information about the victim’s killer and his sentencing.
During the recent court trial of Riley’s killer, Jose Ibarra, 26, which began last week (week of November 11), prosecutors read out Riley’s message on Tuesday, November 19. The late nursing student had sent the text at 8:55 a.m., mere moments before she went for a jog on the University of Georgia’s (UGA) campus.
Reading from a transcript of the message, UGA police Sergeant Sophie Raboud disclosed, “Good morning about to go for run if you’re free to talk [sic].” Riley then attempted to call her mother at 9:03 a.m. but could not reach her, as she did not answer.
Seven minutes later (at 9:11 a.m.), the late student had called 911. At 9:24 a.m., Riley’s mom returned her daughter’s call.
However, she did not hear from her again. As a result, the panicked mom sent a text, which read, “Please call me. I’m worried sick about you.”
According to WSB-TV, Riley’s stepfather and sister had also tried reaching out to her, but to no avail. Aside from reading transcripts of Riley and her mom’s text messages, the surveillance video showing Riley jogging minutes before her demise was played for everyone in the courtroom, including Judge H. Patrick Haggard.
At 9:05 a.m., the young woman was seen jogging along Milledge Avenue Extension in Athens. She sported an all-black outfit, including leggings, a jacket, and running shoes. Footage also showed Riley jogging with her phone in her left hand.
Continuing on her jog, Riley passed a bus stop, where multiple students were seen waiting. She headed south before she went on a different trail that led into a woodsy area, going east toward the Intramural Fields (IM Fields) at 9:06 a.m.
Additional surveillance footage was played in the courtroom which showed Riley’s roommates, Sofia Magana and Lily Steiner, searching for her along the same running trails with Magana’s dog
After Ibarra’s defense attorneys had their opportunity to state their case, Judge Haggard delivered his verdict. Ibarra, who had informed the judge he would not be testifying in his own defense during the trial, was found guilty on several counts. He has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Ibarra is convicted of taking Riley’s life back in February of this year (2024). On February 22, around 12:07 p.m., one of Riley’s friends called the UGA Police Department. The friend was concerned for Riley, who had not returned from her morning run at the IM Fields that same day.
Responding immediately, officers began their search at approximately 12:20 p.m. They located Riley in the woods behind Lake Herrick shortly after.
She was unconscious and had visible wounds on her body. Officers administered medical aid, however, emergency medical responders determined she was dead upon their arrival.
At the time, the UGA Police Department was actively investigating the homicide in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, federal law enforcement partners, and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Ibarra was charged and booked into Clarke County Jail on February 23 (the day after Riley’s body had been found).
Officials dubbed his heinous act a “crime of opportunity, where he saw an individual and bad things happened.” According to University Police Chief Jeff Clark, Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen and is not a student at the university.
Additionally, officials said there was no indication that Ibarra knew Riley. Ibarra was charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, aggravated assault, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another.
Chief Clark also pointed out that the 26-year-old did not have an extensive violent criminal history, adding that Ibarra was an “individual who woke up with bad intentions that day.”
The officer, who also determined that there were no indications of a continuing threat to the community, said there had been no motive.
After hearing about Riley’s passing, a few of her loved ones dedicated online tributes in her honor. A tearjerking Instagram message came from the sister of the late student, who attended the University of Georgia (UGA) through Spring Semester 2023 before transferring to the Augusta University College of Nursing program at Athens.
“The best sister and my built in [sic] best friend from the very first second. This isn’t fair and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven with the man you loved most right now. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this but it’s all going to be for you from now on,” penned Riley’s heartbroken sister, Lauren Phillips.
She went on to express how much she misses Riley and emphasized her everlasting love for the late student. Riley’s sister’s caption accompanied two heartwarming black-and-white photos of the two.
Magana also penned a tribute to Riley on her Instagram account. She shared a carousel of images showing sweet memories the two friends shared. In her lengthy caption, she highlighted how much Riley, who she called her “best friend,” meant to her.
The bereaved friend contextualized their friendship, disclosing how the pair had “randomly” decided to become roommates four years ago, and how they became best friends instantaneously.
“You put everyone before yourself everyday [sic], and you loved like no one else. You were always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on, you were my #1 supporter. You and your family welcomed me in with open arms and became my second family,” wrote Magana.
Adding another layer of heartbreak, Magana went on to note all the things she and Riley had plans to do together, “You were supposed to be by my side on my wedding day, you were supposed to be with us on graduation, you were supposed to visit the Alpha Castle with me as alum [sic].”
The rest of her message goes on to detail the kind-hearted person Riley was and all the things Magana loved and will miss about her. “I love you more than words can describe, and I can’t wait to give you the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek one day. I love you forever ❤️,” concluded Magana.
Another one of Riley’s roommates, Connolly Huth, also dedicated a post to her. Huth’s tribute included a compilation of videos that showed several fun and heartwarming moments the friends shared.
From footage depicting the duo laughing hysterically on a front porch to videos of the friends enjoying themselves on nights out, Huth gave people glimpses of how close she was to Riley.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be writing something like this and I am still waiting to wake up from this terrible nightmare. Laken Riley, bestest [sic] friend, roommate, running partner, mixologist, singer, dancer, and student,” began Huth in her caption.
Like Magana, Huth went on to talk about all the noteworthy life experiences Riley was supposed to share with her that will, sadly, never come to pass. Huth also reminisced over the memories she and Riley created.
“I will miss our runs where we thought we were going to pass out, our lifting sessions at Planet Fitness, our breaking out into song literally anywhere, and our daily strolls to Circle K for a Diet Coke,” expressed the grieving friend.
After noting how their sorority house will never be the same without Riley, Huth said, “I will forever be proud to have called you my bestest [sic] friend and roommate. I love you to the moon and back, and I can’t wait to see you when I get up there <3 We will forever and ever be Lincoln and Caroline […]❤️🏃🏽♀️💌.”
At this time, we send out our deepest condolences to all of Riley’s family members and friends. We hope for healing as they continue to mourn such a significant loss.
