Off The Record
College Student, 22, Who Went For A Jog And Never Came Back Was Found Dead in the Woods
Reports have disclosed the last moments of a college student who was discovered dead in the woods earlier this year, as well as details regarding the victim’s murderer and his sentencing.
The final text message that Laken Riley wrote to her mother was made public by media outlets months after the death of a 22-year-old college student in Georgia made headlines. Additionally, surveillance footage of her last moments—shot just minutes before she was killed—has been made public.
Prosecutors read out Riley’s statement on Tuesday, November 19, during the recent court trial of Riley’s killer, Jose Ibarra, 26, which started last week (the week of November 11). Just before heading out for a jog on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus, the late nursing student sent the text at 8:55 a.m.
Reading from a transcript of the message, UGA police Sergeant Sophie Raboud disclosed, “Good morning about to go for run if you’re free to talk [sic].” Riley then attempted to call her mother at 9:03 a.m. but could not reach her, as she did not answer.
The tardy student had dialed 911 seven minutes later, at 9:11 a.m. Riley’s mother answered her daughter’s phone at 9:24 a.m.
However, she did not hear from her again. As a result, the panicked mom sent a text, which read, “Please call me. I’m worried sick about you.”
Riley’s sister and stepfather have also made unsuccessful attempts to contact her, according to WSB-TV. Judge H. Patrick Haggard and the rest of the courtroom watched security footage of Riley jogging just before her death, in addition to reading transcripts of text communications between Riley and her mother.
The young lady was spotted jogging along Milledge Avenue Extension in Athens at 9:05 a.m. She wore a jacket, running shoes, and leggings in an all-black ensemble. Riley was also seen on camera jogging while holding her phone in her left hand.
Riley kept jogging past a bus stop where several students could be seen waiting. At 9:06 a.m., she started south and then took a separate track that led into a wooded area before heading east toward the Intramural Fields (IM Fields).
In the courtroom, more security tape was shown, showing Lily Steiner and Sofia Magana, Riley’s roommates, searching for her around the same running paths with Magana’s dog.
Judge Haggard rendered his decision after Ibarra’s defense lawyers had a chance to present their case. Ibarra was found guilty on many charges after telling the judge that he would not be testifying in his own defense throughout the trial. He has been given a life sentence without the chance of release.
In February of the current year (2024), Ibarra was found guilty of killing Riley. Riley’s companion called the UGA Police Department at 12:07 p.m. on February 22. Riley had not returned from her morning run at the IM Fields that same day, and the friend was worried about her.
At around 12:20 p.m., officers responded right away and started their search. Soon after, they found Riley in the woods behind Lake Herrick.
She had obvious cuts on her body and was unconscious. Officers gave her medical attention, but when emergency medical personnel arrived, they concluded she was dead.
In cooperation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, federal law enforcement partners, and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the UGA Police Department was at the time conducting an active investigation into the homicide.
The day after Riley’s death was discovered, on February 23, Ibarra was accused and taken to Clarke County Jail.
Officials dubbed his heinous act a “crime of opportunity, where he saw an individual and bad things happened.” According to University Police Chief Jeff Clark, Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen and is not a student at the university.
Officials added that there was no proof Ibarra was acquainted with Riley. Ibarra was accused of kidnapping, obstructing a 911 call, aggravated assault, felony murder, malice murder, aggravated violence, false detention, and concealing another person’s death.
In addition, Chief Clark noted that Ibarra, 26, had no violent criminal history but was an “individual who woke up with bad intentions that day.”
There had been no motive, the officer added, adding that there were no signs of a persistent threat to the neighborhood.
Some of Riley’s loved ones paid tribute to her online after learning of her loss. The sister of the deceased student, who attended the University of Georgia (UGA) until the Spring Semester of 2023 before enrolling in the Augusta University College of Nursing program in Athens, sent a heartfelt Instagram message.
“The best sister and my built-in [sic] best friend from the very first second. This isn’t fair and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven with the man you love most right now. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this but it’s all going to be for you from now on,” penned Riley’s heartbroken sister, Lauren Phillips.
She continued by highlighting her enduring love for the late student and expressing how much she misses Riley. Two adorable black-and-white pictures of the two were posted, along with a statement from Riley’s sister.
On her Instagram, Magana also wrote an homage to Riley. She posted a rotating collection of pictures that captured the two friends’ enjoyable times together. She emphasized the importance of Riley, whom she referred to as her “best friend,” in her long caption.
Contextualizing their friendship, the grieving friend revealed how the two had “randomly” chosen to live together four years prior and how they instantly became excellent friends.
“You put everyone before yourself every day [sic], and you loved like no one else. You were always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on; you were my #1 supporter. You and your family welcomed me in with open arms and became my second family,” wrote Magana.
Adding another layer of heartbreak, Magana went on to note all the things she and Riley had plans to do together: “You were supposed to be by my side on my wedding day; you were supposed to be with us on graduation; you were supposed to visit the Alpha Castle with me as an alum [sic].”
The rest of her message goes on to detail the kind-hearted person Riley was and all the things Magana loved and will miss about her. “I love you more than words can describe, and I can’t wait to give you the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek one day. I love you forever ❤️,” concluded Magana.
Connolly Huth, another of Riley’s housemates, also wrote a post in her honor. A collection of movies showcasing various amusing and touching experiences the friends shared were part of Huth’s tribute.
Videos of the buddies having a good time on evenings out and film of the two of them laughing uncontrollably on a front porch showed how close Huth was to Riley.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be writing something like this and I am still waiting to wake up from this terrible nightmare. Laken Riley, bestest [sic] friend, roommate, running partner, mixologist, singer, dancer, and student,” began Huth in her caption.
Similar to Magana, Huth continued by discussing all the significant life events Riley was meant to tell her about but which, regrettably, would never happen. Huth also thought back on the memories she and Riley had made.
“I will miss our runs where we thought we were going to pass out, our lifting sessions at Planet Fitness, our breaking out into song literally anywhere, and our daily strolls to Circle K for a Diet Coke,” said the friend in mourning.
After noting how their sorority house will never be the same without Riley, Huth said, “I will forever be proud to have called you my bestest [sic] friend and roommate. I love you to the moon and back, and I can’t wait to see you when I get up there <3 We will forever and ever be Lincoln and Caroline […]❤️🏃🏽♀️💌.”
We extend our sincere condolences to Riley’s friends and family at this time. As they continue to grieve after such a profound loss, we wish for recovery.
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