UGA Names Suspect in Nursing Student’s Murder; Jailed on Multiple Counts

Prosecutors expect to rest their case on Tuesday in the murder trial of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

CNN reported that the defense said it has less than half a day of testimony from their witnesses. The defense represents suspect Jose Ibarra, 26, who opted for a bench trial over a jury trial — meaning a judge will determine his guilt.

Ibarra, 26, is on trial for allegedly killing Riley, 22, in February while she was out for a jog at the University of Georgia in Athens.

GBI microanalyst Alexander Covin testified gloves the suspected murderer was filmed throwing in a recycling bin at Ibarra’s apartment “could have originated from the same source” as gloves found inside Ibarra’s residence. Meanwhile, the defense has suggested that one of Ibarra’s brothers killed Laken.

Ibarra is from Venezuela and reportedly illegally entered the U.S. two years ago. One of Ibarra’s brothers allegedly worked at the University of Georgia dining hall the same day Laken was killed. That brother presented a fake green card to work at the college as a temporary dishwasher — but was eventually fired for failing to produce supporting documentation, officials told CNN. The brother pleaded guilty in July to possessing a fraudulent green card, a federal charge.

Testimony continues below: 

[Feature Photo: Facebook]

 

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