ATHENS, Ga. — In tearful testimony, the mother of Laken Riley faced her daughter's killer, Jose Ibarra, moments before Judge Patrick Haggard issued his sentence: Life in prison without parole.
"I'm completely disgusted having to look and be in the same room as him,'' Laken's sister Lauren Phillips told the judge. "That predator is inhumane — and the epitome of evil."
Roughly an hour before they took the stand, Haggard issued his guilty verdict, finding Ibarra guilty on all counts against him. He murdered nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia's campus, who had left for a run and never came home.
As the judge weighed his two options — life with parole or life without parole — the family of Riley shared the promise of her life and their tragic loss.
They had a simple request: imprison Ibarra for the rest of his life.
"On that horrific day, my precious daughter was attacked, beaten and shown no mercy," said Allyson Phillips, Laken's mom. "She fought for her life and dignity and to save herself from being brutally raped. This sick, twisted and evil coward showed no regard for Laken or human life. We are asking the same be done to him."
But most importantly, they lost the opportunity to make formative memories, seeing grandchildren, son-in-laws and the bright future that was in store for her.
"He ripped away every beautiful memory we will ever be able to make with her again," Allyson Phillips said. "This horrific individual robbed us all of our hopes and dreams for Laken."
They described her strong faith in God, her love for others and the "hole" in their family that Jose Ibarra caused.
"I get to deal with explaining to my future children what happened to their aunt Laken and why they won't ever be able to feel her love or be spoiled by her," Laken's sister said.
As Laken Riley's sister finished her testimony, she did not mince words about the future she hoped was in store for her sister's killer.
"Jose Antonio Ibarra has completely and uttered ruined my life — and I can only hope and pray that he receives a sentence that ruins his," Lauren Phillips said.
And in Haggard's sentence, the judge perhaps showed that Laken Riley's death will not have been in vain.
"None of us will ever be the same," Allyson Phillips said. "He took my best friend."
After the sentencing, Georgia governor Brian Kemp released the following statement: