The man accused of killing a nursing student on the University of Georgia campus in February was in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Friday morning. Lawyers for Jose Ibarra appeared before Judge H. Patrick Haggard and filed a motion to exclude DNA evidence. Ibarra is accused of killing 22-year-old Laken Riley. She had gone for a run near Lake Herrick, where police later discovered her body. Prosecutors have previously stated evidence against Ibarra includes a thumbprint from Riely’s phone, DNA from her fingernails, and video footage.
Ibarra is facing several charges, including Malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstruction or hindering, tampering with evidence, and peeping Tom. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial is likely to begin in November.
