ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The killing of a nursing pupil in Georgia who was out working has shaken the college city of Athens.
Laken Hope Riley, 22, who was finding out nursing at Augusta University, went out for a run Thursday morning. After a buddy instructed police she had not returned, officers instantly started a search and located her physique on the University of Georgia campus in a forested space close to Lake Herrick that features trails widespread with runners and walkers.
Emergency medical responders decided she died earlier than officers discovered her. University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark mentioned the reason for dying was blunt drive trauma, however he didn’t elaborate.
Jose Ibarra, 26, was taken into custody for the slaying of Riley on Friday, police mentioned. Ibarra is just not a U.S. citizen and is from Venezuela, however his immigration standing is just not but recognized, mentioned Clark, the college police chief.
Melissa Hodges, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, mentioned in an e mail Saturday that she didn’t have any extra info on the immigration standing of Ibarra, who now faces fees that embody homicide and kidnapping.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement didn’t instantly reply to an e mail in search of touch upon Ibarra’s immigration standing on Saturday.
Local police mentioned Friday that Ibarra, who lived in Athens, apparently didn’t know Riley and acted alone. Video from campus safety and different know-how led police to Ibarra, police mentioned.
It wasn’t recognized if Ibarra had an legal professional who might communicate on his behalf.
Some Republican politicians have seized on the arrest with out figuring out his immigration standing to criticize the immigration insurance policies of President Joe Biden.
In a letter addressed to Biden, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote that the state of affairs on the southern border “presents a clear and present danger to our citizens and communities.”
“While the dangers of this crisis have never been theoretical, this week our state witnessed a devastating tragedy,” Kemp wrote, referring to the killing of Riley.
Riley studied on the University of Georgia via the spring of 2023 earlier than transferring to Augusta University’s College of Nursing, in accordance with a press release from the University of Georgia, which doesn’t have a nursing program itself. She remained energetic within the sorority she joined on the University of Georgia.
Riley’s sister, Lauren Phillips, paid tribute to her Friday in an Instagram submit, calling her “the best sister and my built in best friend from the very first second.”
“This isn’t fair and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven with the man you loved most right now,” Phillips wrote. “I’m not sure how I’m going to do this but it’s all going to be for you from now on. I cannot wait to give you the biggest hug someday. I will miss and love you forever Laken.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”