The Democratic district attorney in charge of prosecuting the Venezuelan immigrant accused of brutally killing Laken Riley has recused himself from the case amid criticism that he failed to secure a single guilty verdict during his tenure.
Athens-Clarke District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez has appointed veteran attorney Sheila Ross as special prosecutor in the case against Jose Ybarra, who killed an innocent fugitive and 22-year-old nursing student.
“I would like to thank our colleagues across Georgia for supporting our circuits during this tragic event at our flagship facility,” Gonzalez said in a statement.
“We will not allow this or any other incident to be used for political gain.
“Our top priority is the safety of all our citizens, and we are fully committed to ensuring justice is served for every loss of life.”
She resigned after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp publicly expressed concerns that he would not be able to handle the high-profile case.
Critics have also accused her of failure throughout her time at the top.
“MS. Gonzalez has not been able to achieve a single guilty verdict in a jury trial involving any type of criminal case,” local attorney Kevin Epps told WSB-TV.
