Jose Ibarra, Suspect in Laken Riley Murder, Pleads Not Guilty and Requests Evidence Suppression

Jose Ibarra, the illegal immigrant charged in the murder of Augusta University student Laken Riley, pleaded not guilty Friday to 10 counts. He is also requesting a hearing to suppress several evidentiary items, including cellphones, DNA, and social media accounts.

Jose Ibarra, the suspect accused of killing Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley, entered a not guilty plea Friday to 10 counts. The charges include malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing a 911 call, tampering with evidence, and being a "peeping Tom."

In addition to his plea, Ibarra's defense filed a motion to suppress a list of evidentiary items, including cellphones, a buccal swab, and social media accounts. They argue that the items were unlawfully collected by law enforcement and that detectives entered Ibarra's residence without a search warrant.

Jose Ibarra, Suspect in Laken Riley Murder, Pleads Not Guilty and Requests Evidence Suppression

The motion seeks to suppress the evidence under the "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine, which makes certain evidence inadmissible if acquired through illegal measures. Ibarra's defense claims that he was detained without reasonable suspicion on February 23, 2024, the day after Riley's murder.

The defense also challenges the DNA testing results from Riley's autopsy, alleging that they did not exclude another known individual associated with the case. They argue that the testing was not conclusive and should be excluded from evidence.

Jose Ibarra, Suspect in Laken Riley Murder, Pleads Not Guilty and Requests Evidence Suppression

Ibarra and his brothers, also illegal immigrants from Venezuela, lived in an apartment building near the on-campus park where Riley was running when she was killed. Police believe the murder was a "crime of opportunity."

Ibarra allegedly crossed into the United States illegally through El Paso, Texas, in September 2022 and was released into the U.S. via parole. His older brother, Diego Ibarra, is charged with green card fraud and had ties to a known Venezuelan gang in the U.S.

Jose Ibarra, Suspect in Laken Riley Murder, Pleads Not Guilty and Requests Evidence Suppression

UGA has invested significant funds in safety measures following Riley's death, including hiring more police officers, installing more security cameras, enhancing lighting, and creating a nightly rideshare program. After the incident, the university committed an additional $7.3 million to safety initiatives.

Ibarra's trial is scheduled to take place in November. The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of college campuses to violent crimes and the need for enhanced security measures.

Jose Ibarra, Suspect in Laken Riley Murder, Pleads Not Guilty and Requests Evidence Suppression