Jose Ibarra, Laken Riley murder suspect, pleads not guilty, seeks to suppress evidence

Jose Ibarra, the 26-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, who is the murder suspect in the murder case of Laken Riley, has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts. Ibarra is accused of attacking and killing the 22-year-old nursing student, Laken Riley, at the University of Georgia campus in Athens on the morning of Feb. 22. Ibarra's defense is seeking to suppress a range of evidentiary items, including cellphones, a buccal swab, and social media accounts, arguing that law enforcement unlawfully collected the evidence and entered his residence without a warrant. Additionally, Ibarra is asking to exclude testimony from a witness who performed DNA testing during Riley's autopsy.

Evidence Suppression and DNA Test Exclusion

The defense is pushing to suppress the evidence, arguing that the items were obtained through illegal measures. They are also contesting the reliability of the DNA test results used in the case.

Indictment and Charges against Ibarra

A Georgia grand jury has indicted Ibarra on multiple counts, including malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing 911 calls, tampering with evidence, and being a peeping Tom. The indictment alleges that Ibarra inflicted blunt-force trauma to Riley's head and asphyxiated her. Furthermore, he is accused of peeping through a window and spying on a university staff member on the same day he allegedly killed Riley.

Immigration Status and Criminal Allegations

Ibarra's status as an illegal immigrant is highlighted, as he and his brothers had crossed into the United States illegally from Venezuela. His older brother is facing charges related to green card fraud and alleged ties to a known Venezuelan gang in the U.S.

Security Measures and Upcoming Trial

In response to Riley's death, the University of Georgia has invested $16 million over the last eight years to enhance security measures. The trial for Ibarra is scheduled to take place in November.