A Georgia judge has ruled that prosecutors can present crucial evidence, including cell phone data and DNA samples, in the upcoming trial of Jose Ibarra, who faces charges in the killing of college student Laken Riley.
Judge H. Patrick Haggard denied a motion from Ibarra’s defense team to suppress evidence gathered after Riley’s death on February 22. The 22-year-old nursing student was found dead while jogging on the University of Georgia campus.
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Defense attorneys argued that police had unlawfully entered Ibarra’s apartment and that subsequent search warrants lacked probable cause. The contested evidence includes two cell phones, DNA samples, social media records from Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as Google location data.
In his ruling, Judge Haggard stated that Ibarra was “lawfully detained and arrested” and that all search warrants were “valid and properly executed.” The judge also determined that police were justified in conducting a protective sweep of Ibarra’s apartment, where he was located the day after Riley’s death.
According to police, Ibarra allegedly attacked Riley, inflicting blunt force trauma, and attempted to hide her body in a secluded area near the jogging path. A grand jury indicted Ibarra on ten charges, including murder.
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Jury selection is set to begin on Wednesday, with opening statements expected on November 18. Prosecutors aim to wrap up the trial before Thanksgiving.
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