One year later: Augusta University remembers Laken Riley’s life and legacy

By Lena Garrard | Staff writer

This week marks one year since the tragic death of Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley. Riley, 22, was murdered on Feb. 22, 2024, while running on the Oconee Forest Park trail in Athens, Georgia, at the University of Georgia.

Over the past year, her death has led to mourning and reflection as her story gained nationwide attention. Coverage has highlighted both the tragedy itself and the political and campus safety debates it sparked.

Riley, a former UGA student, transferred to Augusta University’s College of Nursing Athens campus in spring 2023. She remained active in UGA’s Alpha Chi Omega chapter.

On Feb. 22, 2024, UGA police responded to multiple emergency calls from Riley’s family and friends reporting her missing. Officers later found her body. Riley was publicly identified as the victim the next morning.

“It was so sad and terrifying,” AU alumna Lauren Green said. “To think that someone could just be out in their community exercising, and someone would want to hurt them for no reason. It was a really scary time.”

Jose Antonio Ibarra was named the primary suspect by investigators on the day of the murder and was arrested the following day, Feb. 23. Ibarra, a Venezuelan national with no known connection to Riley, was described by investigators as having committed a “crime of opportunity.”

Ibarra was found guilty and, on Nov. 20, 2024, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard convicted him on all charges, including murder, aggravated assault with intent to rape, kidnapping and tampering with evidence, among others.

Ibarra’s status as a non-U.S. citizen sparked debate about immigration laws and illegal immigration, particularly in the context of the 2024 election year. These discussions led to offensive generalizations and microaggressions against immigrants and Latinos in U.S. politics and public discourse.

“I just wish with all my heart that people didn’t use her tragic death as a way to make a political statement,” UGA student Imani Jacobs said. “I don’t think that’s what she would want for us – more divide and more hatred.”

Augusta University acknowledges the profound loss of Laken Riley but stands against hate or bigotry toward any population. AU students are encouraged to have compassion, grace and empathy toward all people and to not let politics get in the way of humanity.

Riley’s case, legacy and the surrounding issues were so impactful that just over a week after her death, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., introduced the Laken Riley Act to Congress. Riley quickly became a political symbol, appearing on campaign signs and election materials across the country.

The Laken Riley Act was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2025. It mandates the detention without bail of certain noncitizens arrested or charged with crimes such as burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assaulting a police officer, or crimes that result in death or serious bodily injury.

This week and always, Riley is celebrated, mourned and honored by AU as the community remembers and reflects on her life and legacy.