HOUSTON, United States

The undocumented Venezuelan immigrant convicted of killing nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia on Wednesday was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was found guilty of premeditated murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and stalking Tom, as well as three counts of felony murder.

Riley, a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student, was killed by Ibarra on Feb. 22 while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in the city of Athens, 70 miles (112 kilometers) east of Atlanta.

“There is no end to the pain, suffering and loss we have experienced or will continue to endure,” Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, told the judge before Ibarra’s verdict was read. “On that terrible day, my precious daughter was attacked, beaten, and shown no mercy. She fought for her life, her dignity, and to save herself from being brutally raped.”

“This sick, twisted and evil coward showed no respect for Laken or human life,” Phillips said. “We want the same thing to be done to him.”

Riley’s killing brought national attention to the immigration debate after authorities said Ibarra was a Venezuelan citizen who entered the country illegally across the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022.

President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Party used Riley’s death as part of their campaign during the presidential election to demand stricter immigration policies at the southern border.

Trump voiced his opinion on social media shortly after Ibarra’s decision was announced.

“JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY!” Trump shared on the Truth Social platform. “The fugitive who murdered our beloved Laken Riley has been found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes.”

“While the pain and heartbreak will last forever, I hope this can help bring some peace and closure to his wonderful family who fought for Justice and ensure that other families don’t have to go through what they went through,” Trump said. “We love you Laken and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our border and remove these criminals and bandits from our Country so nothing like this can happen again!”

Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial and did not testify in his own defense.

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