ATHENS, Ga. – Closing arguments continue in the high-profile trial of Jose Ibarra, who is accused of killing Laken Riley on Feb. 22.

Earlier this morning, the defense rested its case, clearing the way for the prosecution to present its final arguments, arguing that their evidence proved Ibarra’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In the courtroom, the prosecution highlighted physical evidence from the scene, including DNA on Riley’s body that matched Ibarra. They also cited digital evidence, such as data from Riley’s phone and Garmin watch, as additional evidence linking Ibarra to the crime.

Before arguments began, the prosecution called Special Agent Lucas Beyer of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as a rebuttal witness. Agent Beyer, who testified earlier, addressed questions about video evidence and whether the person seen was Jose Ibarra or his brother Diego Ibarra.

Agent Beyer testified that there was no evidence that Diego Ibarra was located anywhere other than his home on the morning of the murder. “He did not appear on any video or trailer cameras from the apartment,” Beyer said in response to the defense’s attempts to cast doubt on the video evidence.

Diego Ibarra, whose testimony was expected, did not take the stand this morning, leaving question marks in mind regarding his potential role or knowledge.

The judge will now decide on the hearing, which is held as a hearing. Once closing arguments are over, the judge will deliberate on the matter and make a decision. All eyes are on the courtroom as we approach the conclusion of this important case.

PREVIOUS STORY

The defense in the high-profile murder trial of 26-year-old Jose Ibarra will continue presenting witnesses today. This came after the state settled its case late Tuesday after several days of emotional testimony.

The case involves the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student whose body was found Feb. 22 on a wooded jogging trail near the University of Georgia campus.

RELATING TO: Jose Ibarra Murder Trial Day 3: Laken Riley’s family sees surveillance video

Prosecutors rested the case just before 4 p.m. Tuesday after calling dozens of witnesses. Among the evidence presented was surveillance video showing Riley running near the university’s intramural grounds the morning of his death. Another video allegedly shows Ibarra trying to break into a graduate student’s apartment and then throwing a jacket containing Riley’s DNA into a trash can.

In court, prosecutors read the last text message Riley sent to her mother the morning of the murder: “Good morning. I’m about to go for a run if you’re free to talk.” Her mother sent a follow-up text about 20 minutes later, saying, “Please call me. I’m so worried about you.” Riley never answered.

Key evidence included strands of Riley’s hair found at the scene.

One witness testified that two hairs were found on one rock, and 27 hairs were found on a second rock, all of which matched Riley’s hair. Additionally, there was an Adidas hat that prosecutors allege Ibarra was wearing on surveillance video, which was first shown in court.

The defense presented three witnesses Tuesday. However, a significant development may affect their strategies. Jose Ibarra’s brother, Diego Ibarra, was expected to testify, potentially casting doubt on the state’s case. But Diego, who is involved in a separate immigration case, recently hired a new attorney and was advised not to testify. His absence could impact the defense’s ability to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.

Defendant Jose Ibarra stated that he would not testify in his own defense. The hearing continues today.