Jose Ibarra was found guilty on 10 charges, including the murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley and a Peeping Tom offense. On February 22, while Laken Riley was out for a jog on the University of Georgia campus, 26-year-old Jose Ibarra, attacked Laken with the intent to commit r*pe. He was arrested the next day at a nearby apartment.
According to court documents, Special Assistant District Attorney Sheila Ross disclosed that Jose Ibarra had been seen peering into a University of Georgia student’s dorm room just over an hour before Laken Riley’s body was discovered. Riley’s remains were found approximately 1,000 feet away on a trail near UGA’s Intramural Fields.
The court filings detail how another UGA student called 911 at 7:57 a.m. after noticing a man (Jose Ibarra) at her front door attempting to look inside. Prosecutors allege that Ibarra not only peeped through her window but also tried to open the door before fleeing as campus police arrived.
In Georgia, being a Peeping Tom is considered a criminal offense. Citizens are entitled to their right to privacy, and any violation of that right is treated as a punishable act under the law.
What exactly is the Peeping Tom law that Jose Ibarra was charged with?
In Georgia, a 'Peeping Tom' Law means that it is illegal to look through windows or doors on someone else’s property to spy or invade their privacy. It doesn't matter if you peeped or invaded someone's privacy, if you had the intent to, you will be found guilty of the Peeping Tom offense.
If you are convicted of a Peeping Tom felony, you can get a penalty of one to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
According to The Independent, Ibarra was charged with one count of malice murder, three counts of felony murder and one count each of kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, hindering an emergency telephone call, tampering with evidence, and peeping Tom.
Why was the Peeping Tom offense important to pin Jose Ibarra?
The 'Peeping Tom' offense was key to linking Jose Ibarra to Laken Riley's murder as another UGA student had called 911 at 7:57 am to report Jose Ibarra for sneaking around her property.
Just an hour after the Peeping Tom report, at 9:10 am, UGA police received a 911 call from Riley, which prosecutors claim was interrupted by Jose Ibarra.
Fourteen minutes later, Riley’s mother made several attempts to contact her daughter by phone. When those calls went unanswered, she reached out to Riley’s friends, hoping they had any information.
Growing increasingly concerned, they began searching for her. By 12:07 pm, they alerted authorities and reported Riley missing.
Just 31 minutes after that report, court documents state her body was discovered in a wooded area, approximately 65 feet from a nearby running trail. She was described as 'lifeless, beaten, and partially unclothed.'
Jose Ibarra's attorney tried to waive the Peeping Tom charges
Jose Ibarra's defense attorney contended that the peeping Tom charge should be separated from the other nine charges. However, the prosecution opposed this motion, stating:
"These incidents are linked by time, location, motive, and physical evidence, so the Defendant’s request should be rejected."
The prosecution maintained that Ibarra's actions on the morning of February 22, 2024, were all part of a single, ongoing plan that ultimately culminated in Laken Riley’s murder.
What punishment is Jose Ibarra facing?
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Jose Ibarra, who opted for a bench trial instead of a jury trial, has been convicted on all ten criminal charges. He has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Ibarra has approximately 30 days to appeal the verdict or request a new trial.
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