A 26-year-old man was convicted just days after Laken Riley’s murder. emotionally charged essay This revealed the details of his gruesome murder.

Riley, 22, He was killed while he was out jogging on February 22 on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, GA.

José Ibarra He was found guilty of murder by an Athens District judge and his verdict was broadcast live. Court TV.

Ibarra was convicted of one count of premeditated murder, three counts of felony murder and kidnapping, aggravated assault with attempted rape, aggravated battery, interfering with a 911 call, tampering with evidence and spying on Tom.

Ibarra sat quietly and showed no visible reaction as Judge H. Patrick Haggard announced the verdict.

He told the court he took into account prosecutor Sheila Ross’ comments that the evidence against Ibarra was “overwhelming,” citing Ibarra’s strong closing statement.

“He marked it. He marked it for everyone to see. He marked it for you to see,” Ross said in his closing statement. ABC.

The friends and family of the murdered woman experienced emotional moments during the reading of the verdict in court. CNN.

His mother was heard sobbing loudly and the conviction came just a day after the court’s verdict. Riley’s last message: sent to her mother, where Riley asked her if she wanted to chat.

Riley’s father was seen bursting into tears after the verdict. His friends and family hugged each other for support, according to CNN.

Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, disappeared the morning of her death and was later He was found with “visible injuries”.

The coroner identified him died from blunt force trauma An Athens-Clarke County coroner previously told PEOPLE. Police had previously said in an arrest affidavit that her killer had brutalized her. “It distorts the shape of the skull.”

Want to keep up with the latest crime news? Sign up PEOPLE free True Crime newsletter For breaking crime news, ongoing trial news and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

LIVE: GA – Jose Ibarra, Laken Riley Murder Trial – Day 4

During the four-day hearing, the judge was shown extensive evidence, including DNA and security footage, that led to Ibarra’s conviction.

Prosecutors presented testimony from the roommate who first noticed Riley missing, as well as from investigators and translators. The trial revealed Ibarra to be an unrepentant man. He “giggled” when taken away for questioningwhile giving a presentation Riley’s last moments:A message to his mother and was later seen running on security footage.

Immigration officials had previously stated that Ibarra, a Venezuelan citizen, entered the country illegally in 2022. GIS, Los Angeles Times And ABC News.