The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Laken Riley this week revealed the extent of her injuries during the trial of the man who stands accused of killing her.
Riley, 22, who was a Georgia nursing student, died on Feb. 22 after what prosecutors describe as a violent attack by the accused, Jose Ibarra, while she was jogging on a wooded trail near the University of Georgia campus.
Dr. Michelle DiMarco of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) testified in court on Tuesday that Riley’s body showed injuries across multiple areas, including her head, neck, torso, and limbs. DiMarco identified eight cuts to Riley’s head, one of which caused a skull fracture.
The injuries “could be consistent with a rock,” DiMarco said. A GBI specialist testified Riley’s DNA was found on two rocks at the scene.
Additional testing revealed Riley’s DNA on a blue jacket found in a trash bin at Ibarra’s apartment complex. Ibarra’s DNA was also detected on the jacket and under Riley’s fingernails, further linking him to the crime, according to forensic testimony.
Tuesday’s proceedings closed after a dozen law enforcement officers, Riley’s roommate and a woman who lived in an apartment with Ibarra testified.
Smartwatch Data Pinpoints Riley’s Time of Death
Prosecutors argue that Ibarra, 26, deliberately targeted Riley while she was jogging, describing him in court as “hunting for females” that morning.
According to the evidence presented, Riley called her mother at 9:03 a.m. on Feb. 22 but did not answer subsequent calls placed minutes later.
By 9:28 a.m., data from Riley’s smartwatch indicated her heart had stopped.
University of Georgia police Sgt. Sophie Raboud testified about the text messages sent by Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, while concern grew.
One message at 9:58 a.m. read, “You’re making me nervous not answering while you’re out running. Are you OK?” By 11:47 a.m., Phillips was pleading for a response, texting, “Please call me. I’m worried sick about you.”
Violent Struggle Following Rape Attempt
Surveillance footage presented in court showed Riley’s final moments on the trail.
Family members and friends wept while the video played, capturing Riley unaware of the danger she faced.
Ibarra, who waived his right to a jury trial, is being tried before Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard. Federal authorities disclosed that Ibarra, a Venezuelan native, entered the United States illegally in 2022 and was allowed to remain while pursuing an immigration case.
These circumstances were widely used by immigration reform proponents during Republican President-elect Donald Trump‘s winning campaign.
According to prosecutor Sheila Ross, Ibarra killed Riley after a struggle when she “refused to be his rape victim.”
Blame Diverted to Ibarra’s Brother
Defense attorneys have sought to introduce doubt about Ibarra’s involvement, pointing instead to his brother, Diego, who is in federal immigration detention on unrelated charges.
Diego Ibarra appeared briefly in court, but did not testify after his attorney advised against it. A neighbor testified that Diego once threatened her, stating, “If you tell them, I will tell them you did it and then I will kill you, too.”
However, the testimony was challenged under cross-examination, with the neighbor admitting to being intoxicated at the time and involved in a romantic dispute with Diego.
The trial resumes Wednesday, with the defense expected to present additional witnesses.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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