A judge found Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old undocumented immigrant, guilty of murdering Laken Riley, a nursing student who was found dead on the University of Georgia’s campus in February—putting an end to the murder case that became a political touch point for both parties in the national immigration debate.
Jose Ibarra listens through an interpreter during his trial at Athens-Clarke County Superior Court, ... [+]
Judge H. Patrick Haggard found Ibarra guilty of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing a person making an emergency call, tampering with evidence and peeping Tom, CNN reported.
Prosecutors said Ibarra murdered Laken, 22, while she was out for a run after she “refused to be his rape victim,” ABC News reported.
Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial on Nov. 12.
Haggard is expected to give Ibarra his sentence at 12:30 p.m. EST after the court ends its recess.
This story is breaking and will be updated.