The death penalty is off the table in the trial of the man accused of murdering Laken Riley. Friday, Western Judicial District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez announced her office will seek life without the possibility of parole for Jose Antonio Ibarra. In a news released, Gonzalez said the decision was reached after careful deliberation with the senior prosecutor and the support of the victim’s family.
The announcement came following Ibarra’s arraignment in Clarke County Superior Court before Judge Patrick Haggard where Ibarra’s attorney entered a not guilty plea. Ibarra was wearing civilian clothing but remained shackled as he sat at the defense table with his attorneys and a woman who served as his translator. He is accused of trying to rape Riley before hitting her head with a rock and trying to asphyxiate her.
He is charged with 10 counts, including three counts of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, hindering a 911 call, tampering with evidence, and peeping Tom. Judge Haggard will hold a status hearing in August when he will hear any motions that need to be handled before trial.
