Athens, Georgia – The family of Laken Riley, an Augusta University nursing student whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus, is speaking out following her tragic murder.
A statement released by a friend of the family thanked Georgia State Police for their “quick response and diligent efforts” in finding their 22-year-old daughter’s killer.
“We would like to thank the public for their prayers and thoughts during this tragic time. We would like to thank the University of Georgia Police Department, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for their quick response.” “We will continue to work diligently to investigate and apprehend those responsible for our daughter’s death.”
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Laken Riley poses for a photo to post on Facebook. Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, was found dead near a lake on campus on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Alison Phillips/Facebook)
“Raeken was a wonderful daughter, sister, friend, and just a wonderful human being in general. Her love for the Lord was embodied in every aspect of her life. We will miss her every day, but we are committed to honoring her as she continues to move forward in her life in a very significant way,” the family statement said.
Laken was a wonderful daughter, sister, friend, and overall wonderful person.
The family also asked that their privacy be respected.
Laken Riley Memorial along Herrick Lake on the University of Georgia campus on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was found dead on a nearby footpath earlier this week. (Mark Sims, Fox News Digital)
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“At this most difficult time, we ask that you respect our privacy and allow us the time and space we need to grieve the life of our daughter, who was tragically cut short,” the statement said.
Laken Riley smiled and posed for photos as he ran. Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, was found dead near a lake on campus on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Laken Riley/Instagram)
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The University of Georgia Police Department found Riley dead with “visible injuries” in a wooded area behind Herrick Lake at 12:07 p.m. Thursday. A friend called authorities to report Riley went for a run Thursday morning and never returned.
Riley was pronounced dead several minutes later, despite a sergeant arriving at the scene with a defibrillator and attempting to resuscitate the victim.
Officials said autopsy results remain pending “at least” until Monday.
Jose Ybarra was originally taken into custody by UGA police on Friday in connection with Riley’s death, but is now believed to have no connection to the victim. (Clark County Sheriff’s Office)
On Friday, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra was charged with murder.
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Ibarra is a Venezuelan national who entered the country illegally. El Paso, Texas Three ICE and DHS officials told Fox News that they were released on parole to the United States in September 2022.
FOX News’ Audrey Conklin and Michael Lewis contributed to this report.
