A morning run on the University of Georgia campus ended in tragedy on February 22, 2024, when 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley was attacked and killed on the trails near Lake Herrick. Investigators described her death as a crime of opportunity; prosecutors say she suffered blunt force trauma to the head after a prolonged and violent struggle when she resisted an attempted sexual assault.

Police arrested 26-year-old Jose Ibarra, who had entered the United States in 2022. Authorities linked him to Riley through surveillance footage, DNA found under Riley’s fingernails, Ibarra’s thumbprint on her phone, data from Riley’s watch showing her run stopped suddenly, and video of Ibarra disposing of a dark hooded jacket believed to carry Riley’s blood. Prosecutors also say Ibarra was seen peering into another female student’s apartment the same day.

Ibarra has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault with intent to rape, tampering with evidence, and related counts. Two of Ibarra’s brothers were taken into federal custody on immigration-related charges during the investigation.

If anyone has information about Laken’s last run or saw suspicious activity near Lake Herrick that morning, please share what you know.