Months after the tragic death of 22-year-old college student Laken Riley in Georgia, new details have surfaced. Media outlets have released her final text message to her mother, as well as surveillance footage showing her last moments before her life was taken. These revelations come in the wake of the recent trial and conviction of her killer, 26-year-old Jose Ibarra.
Riley’s Last Communication with Her Mother
During the trial, which began the week of November 11, prosecutors presented crucial evidence, including the last text message Riley sent to her mother on the morning of February 22, 2024. According to UGA police Sergeant Sophie Raboud, the nursing student sent a text at 8:55 a.m. stating:
“Good morning about to go for run if you’re free to talk [sic].”
At 9:03 a.m., Riley attempted to call her mother, but her call went unanswered. Minutes later, at 9:11 a.m., she made a 911 call. By the time her mother returned the missed call at 9:24 a.m., there was no response. Concerned, Riley’s mother sent a follow-up text, saying, “Please call me. I’m worried sick about you.”
Riley’s stepfather and sister also tried to reach her but received no reply, further heightening their fears.
Surveillance Footage Provides Timeline
Courtroom attendees were shown surveillance footage of Riley jogging on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus shortly before her death. At 9:05 a.m., Riley was captured jogging along Milledge Avenue Extension in Athens, dressed in black leggings, a jacket, and running shoes, with her phone in hand. She was seen passing a group of students at a bus stop before heading into a wooded area near the university’s Intramural Fields (IM Fields) around 9:06 a.m.
Additional footage showed Riley’s roommates, Sofia Magana and Lily Steiner, searching for her later that day along the same trail with Magana’s dog.
Discovery and Immediate Response
When Riley failed to return from her run, one of her friends contacted the UGA Police Department at 12:07 p.m. Officers began their search within minutes and discovered Riley’s body in the woods behind Lake Herrick. Despite efforts to provide medical aid, she was pronounced dead by emergency responders upon their arrival.
Her body showed visible wounds, and authorities quickly launched a homicide investigation in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, federal agencies, and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Jose Ibarra Found Guilty
Jose Ibarra, who was arrested the day after Riley’s body was found, faced a slew of charges, including felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and concealing a death. During the trial, Ibarra declined to testify in his defense. Judge H. Patrick Haggard ultimately sentenced him to life in prison without parole.
Authorities described Ibarra’s crime as a “crime of opportunity.” UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark stated that Ibarra, who is not a U.S. citizen or affiliated with the university, acted with malicious intent that day. Investigators found no evidence suggesting that Ibarra and Riley knew each other.
Community Impact
Riley’s death has deeply shaken the University of Georgia community and beyond. As a dedicated nursing student, she was remembered as a compassionate and driven individual. Her family continues to grieve their devastating loss while seeking justice and closure.
The case underscores the importance of campus safety and vigilance, serving as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of such tragic events.
