ATHENS, Ga. — The suspect accused in the murder of Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley has pleaded not guilty, according to Athens-Clarke County courts on Friday.
Jose Ibarra's arraignment was held in Clarke County Superior Court.
During Ibarra's arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, sending the case to trial. The judge said he would update lawyers on a trial date in August but expects to start in the fall.
Ibarra, 26, is accused of killing Riley, 22, on UGA's campus on the morning of Feb. 22. She had gone for a run and when she didn't return, a concerned friend called campus police.
UGA Police discovered her body with "visible injuries" in the forested area by Lake Herrick.
Re-watch the hearing below
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The precise circumstances of how Ibarra is alleged to have attacked Riley have not been fully detailed. However, previous arrest warrants said he caused harm to her skull and "did conceal the death of another person, and/or hinder discovery by dragging the victim to a secluded area."
Earlier in May, Ibarra was indicted on the following charges:
Jose Ibarra full charges in Laken Riley killing
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Felony murder
- Felony murder
- Kidnapping with bodily injury
- Aggravated assault with intent to rape
- Aggravated battery
- Obstruction or hindering a person making emergency telephone call
- Tampering with evidence
- Peeping Tom
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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