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People pass by a memorial to Laken Riley at Lake Allyn Herrick on the campus of the University of Georgia on June 7, 2024, in Athens, Georgia. On February 22, 2024, Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was killed while she was jogging at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Her body was found in Oconee Forest Park near the lake. The suspect, José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan, had reportedly entered the US illegally. ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP via Getty Images

A Venezuelan migrant, accused of killing University of Georgia (UGA) nursing student Laken Riley which Trump used as a weapon during his campaign, is about to face trial in Georgia.

Known as Jose Antonio Ibarra, the undocumented immigrant already faced multiple charges to his name besides the recent murder, with Republican lawmakers blaming the Biden administration for allowing him to remain in the country despite his criminal history.

In a report by BBC, Riley went on a morning run and failed to return in February 2024. The 22-year-old UGA nursing student was eventually found, but lifeless in a wooded area on the UGA campus.

Her death became a central issue in the US immigration debate, especially during the 2024 presidential election.

Strong Case Against Migrant Suspect

For the upcoming trial, prosecutors have presented evidence, including forensic data, video footage, and digital evidence, to prove that Ibarra killed Riley.

The case detailed that Ibarra attacked Riley, allegedly using a rock to bash her skull after she fought back. Evidence from Riley's smartwatch shows she struggled to survive before her death.

Security footage also shows Ibarra discarding bloodied clothes and gloves, with prosecutors claiming that Ibarra's DNA was present under Riley's fingernail and his thumbprint on her phone, which she attempted to use to call for help.

The Venezuelan migrant denied his role in Riley's murder, with his defense team disputing the evidence, arguing that it only circumstantially links him to the crime. They claim that while it is clear Riley was murdered, there is not enough conclusive proof that Ibarra was the killer.

The upcoming case is being tried by a judge, as Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial.

Now, Republican lawmakers have pointed to the case as evidence of the dangers posed by illegal immigration as Riley's murder has fueled discussions about border security and immigration policies, per Barron's. They claim that Ibarra's criminal history and his ability to stay in the U.S. were a result of lax immigration enforcement by the Biden administration. These claims were heavily discussed during the election campaign, with President-elect Donald Trump using Riley's name to highlight his stance on stricter border policies.

Tags University of Georgia