Suspect in AU Nursing Student Murder Not a U.S. Citizen
The suspect in the death of an Augusta University College of Nursing student on the UGA campus yesterday is not a U.S. citizen.
Investigators say 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley of Woodstock, Georgia, was a senior attending AU’s College of Nursing campus in Athens. She was found dead early Thursday afternoon, hours after going on a morning run.
Tonight, UGA Police announced the arrest of 26-year-old Jose Antonia Ibarra in connection with Riley’s death. They said Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen and was not a UGA student.
Charges against Jose Antonio Ibarra
- Malice Murder
- Felony Murder
- Aggravated Battery
- Aggravated Assault
- False Imprisonment
- Kidnapping
- Hindering a 911 Call
- Concealing the Death of another.
UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark said the evidence in the case is “robust.” He credited campus security cameras in helping with leads in the case. Clark added, “the attack was a crime of opportunity.” Investigators believe Ibarra had no known connection to Riley.
Cause of Riley’s Death
Police said the cause of Riley’s death was believed to be blunt force trauma.
Where It Happened
Riley left for a morning run at the intramural fields near campus Thursday morning. A friend notified campus police when she failed to return home, as expected.
Riley’s body was discovered by campus police in a wooded area behind Lake Herrick, not far from the intramural fields.
The cause of Riley’s death has not been released. Investigators said Thursday she had visible injuries and foul play was suspected, but an autopsy will be done to determine the cause and manner of her death.
Heavy Law Enforcement Presence Today at an Apartment Complex in Athens
UGA Police, Athens-Clarke County police, Georgia Bureau of Investigation officers and the Georgia State Patrol all swarmed the Cielo at Azulyk apartment complex on South Milledge Avenue, not far from the intramural fields. A person of interest in Riley’s death was taken into custody for questioning, now identified as Ibarra. Officers were also seen searching trash cans at a nearby gas station and bus stop.
AU President Dr. Brooks Keel Reacted to the Tragic News
Shortly after news broke Thursday about a student’s death on the UGA campus, Augusta University President Dr. Brooks Keel said in a statement:
“It is with deepest sorrow that I share with you the news that one of our students at our College of Nursing campus at Athens has passed away. Police have said they suspect foul play. The receipt of this news this afternoon was shocking to all of us.”
Classes were cancelled the rest of the day Thursday and today. They will not resume until Monday. Both the Augusta and Athens schools are offering grief counseling services for students and faculty.
“I want to start off by saying that this is a tragic day. And I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the grieving family, friends and campus partners,” said UGA Police Chief Jeffrey
Clark. He said there has not been a homicide investigation on the campus in the last 20 years.
News of Riley’s death yesterday came one day after the death of another student was reported at a residence hall on campus. The student’s death was reported to be a suicide and officials confirmed the incidents were not related.
