Laken Riley murder: Athens DA enlists special prosecutor for trial
ATHENS, Ga. - Athens District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez announced plans to bring in a special prosecutor to handle the murder trial for a 22-year-old woman who was killed during a morning run on the University of Georgia's campus.
"I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues from across Georgia who have supported our circuit during this tragic event at our flagship institution," DA Gonzalez said in a statement. "We will not allow this or any other case to be used for political gain. Our top priority is the safety of every citizen, and we are fully committed to ensuring that justice is served for the loss of every life."
Sheila Ross, an Atlanta native who has worked for the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, as a homicide prosecutor in San Francisco and as a prosecutor in Jacksonville, Florida, will return to the Western District to argue the case on behalf of Laken Riley and her family.
Sheila Ross (Credit: Georgia State University)
"From day one, our office has worked diligently to keep this community safe from anyone who seeks to do it harm. This includes those who believe that violence is the answer," Gonzalez said. "We will ensure that such individuals are brought to justice. Our hearts and our work are with the victim's family and friends during this difficult time. We will provide additional comments once more information becomes available."
What happened to Laken Riley?
Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley went out for a run near the Intramural Fields on UGA's campus Thursday morning, but never made it back home.
Laken's body was discovered in the forested area behind Lake Herrick. The coroner's office said she died of blunt force trauma to the head.
Officials later arrested 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, charging him with murder.
JOSE ANTONIO IBARRO
University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark says they are still trying to determine the motive behind the brutal murder.
OTHER RELATED STORIES
- UGA campus murder: Students return to classes, hold vigil for Laken Riley
- UGA campus death: Nursing student killed while jogging on UGA campus
- Laken Riley, nursing student found dead on UGA campus | What we know
- Who is Jose Antonio Ibarra? Man arrested for murder of Laken Riley at UGA campus
- UGA murder suspect’s brother arrested for fake green card that he used to get job on campus
- Online petition demands emergency blue light boxes on campus
- Gov. Kemp accuses White House, calls for swift action