ATLANTA — The trial for Jose Ibarra, accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley, is nearing its conclusion Wednesday after closing arguments wrapped up.
Final witnesses took the stand earlier in the morning before the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments to Judge H. Patrick Haggard.
Judge Haggard then called for a recess after 11 a.m. and, when court returns, he could deliver his verdict. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, leaving the case to be decided by the Athens-Clarke County Superior Court judge.
Ibarra, 26, faces charges including murder and aggravated assault in connection to Riley’s Feb. 22 death on the University of Georgia campus. Riley, 22, was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing, which has a campus in Athens.
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On Tuesday, prosecutors concluded their case after presenting evidence and testimony that included a detailed timeline of events, DNA evidence linking Ibarra to the crime scene, and statements from law enforcement and neighbors.
Defense attorneys, who argue the evidence is circumstantial, have focused on raising questions about Ibarra’s brother, Diego, as a possible suspect.
Diego Ibarra, currently in federal immigration detention, appeared in court Tuesday but did not testify due to legal complications. Defense attorneys are expected to call him as a witness today, along with one additional person. Court proceedings will begin at 8:30 a.m., and a verdict may follow soon after the defense rests.