Trial begins for the man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A Venezuelan man "went hunting for females on the University of Georgia’s campus” earlier this year and ended up killing nursing student Laken Riley after a struggle, a prosecutor said Friday. A defense attorney said the evidence is circumstantial and doesn't prove his client is guilty.

Jose Ibarra, who entered the U.S. illegally two years ago, is charged with murder and other crimes in Riley's February killing, which helped fan the immigration debate during this year's presidential campaign.



Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial , meaning his case is being will be heard and decided by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content.

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