ATHENS, Ga. – Closing arguments in the trial of man accused of murder began Wednesday morning Georgia nursing student Laken RileyHis death became a flashpoint in the national debate about immigration during this year’s presidential race.

26 year old Jose Ibarra charged with murder and other crimes at Riley’s death in February. HE waived his right to a jury trialThis means the case will be decided by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard.

After the defense was heard, prosecutors began calling witnesses who refuted the evidence.

February 22 murder on the University of Georgia campus added fuel to the national debate There was a controversy over the immigration issue when federal officials said Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to remain in the country while his immigration case was pending. Riley, 22, was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing, which also has a campus in Athens, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) east of Atlanta.

The trial began last Friday, and the prosecution rested its case Tuesday after calling more than a dozen law enforcement agencies, Riley’s roommates and a woman who lived in the same apartment as Ibarra. Defense attorneys called a police officer, a jogger and one of Ibarra’s neighbors on Tuesday and rested their case Wednesday morning.

Riley’s parents, roommates, and other friends and family members filled the courtroom every day; Many of them became emotional while listening to witness testimony. Ibarra, who wore a collared shirt and dark trousers and had his feet shackled every day, appeared alert throughout the hearing.