Jose Ibarra was convicted of a crime A solemn trial concluded on Wednesday, indicting him on all charges for the murder of Laken Riley.
Judge Patrick Haggard announced that Ybarra was found guilty of malicious murder, felony murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to commit rape, aggravated assault, interfering with a 911 call, tampering with evidence, and peeping on Tom. .
Riley's family wept as Haggard read the verdict.
Athens District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez's office is not seeking the death penalty for Ybarra.
Ibarra is a member of the Venezuelan gang Torren de Aragua, who was able to easily enter the United States illegally in 2022 due to the Biden-Harris administration's open borders crisis.
Prosecutors alleged that Ybarra cornered Riley as she went for a jog. Using data from her smartwatch, authorities were able to confirm that Riley fought with Ibarra for nearly 20 minutes before smashing Ibarra's skull with a rock. Ibarra's DNA was found under Riley's fingernails.
Athens District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez and her office are not seeking the death penalty for Ybarra, instead seeking life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Following the verdict, President-elect Donald Trump said: said Truth Social says, “Justice for Laken Riley!…The pain and heartbreak will last forever, but this will bring peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for justice and will help other families who are less fortunate.'' We love you, Laken, our hearts are always with you. ”
President Trump also said he would secure the border and remove illegal immigrants from the country to prevent such an incident from happening again.
Riley's parents read a shocking statement after the verdict, pleading with Haggard to sentence Ybarra to the maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
John Phillips, Riley's stepfather, read Riley's book. last diary entryIt was a letter to her future husband about wanting to have a God-fearing and God-loving family.
“I want you to know that I'm thinking about you.'' I strive every day to be a faithful, Christian wife who is focused on God and what He does. ,'' Phillips read from Riley's diary.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include statements from Riley's family and President-elect Donald Trump.
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