Laken Riley's Mom Confronts 'Sick, Twisted, Evil' Killer Who 'Showed No Pity on My Child'

Samira Asma-Sadeque

20 November 2024 at 3:10 pm·1-min read

Jose Ibarra was convicted of murdering Laken Riley on Wednesday, Nov. 20

The mother of slain Georgia college student Laken Riley confronted her daughter's killer in court, recounting the terror her daughter felt in her final moments.

An Athens County judge convicted Jose Ibarra of several counts of felony murder, kidnapping and aggravated assault with attempt to rape, among other offenses, on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Ibarra was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Riley was found dead from blunt force trauma, after Ibarra disfigured her face, per authorities.

Following the verdict, her family shared their memories and recounted the dreams Riley left behind.

"Jose took no pity on my scared, panicked and struggling child," Riley's mother Allyson Phillips said, fighting back tears.

CourtTV/YouTube; Laken Riley/ Facebook Jose Ibarra convicted (left); and Laken Riley. — CourtTV/YouTube; Laken Riley/ Facebook
Jose Ibarra convicted (left); and Laken Riley.

"There's no end to the pain, suffering or loss. On that horrific day, my precious daughter was attacked, beaten, and shown no mercy," she said.

"This sick, twisted evil coward showed no respect of Lakens life," she added.

Her sister Lauren Phillips told the judge about the siblings' "inseparable" relationship.

"I think about how scared she must have been and how that man," she said, pointing towards Ibarra, "is the only man to truly witness that scene."

Laken Riley/Facebook Laken Riley — Laken Riley/Facebook
Laken Riley

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Judge H. Patrick Haggard handed down the conviction after a four-day trial that saw extensive evidence against Ibarra that linked him to the crime: including his DNA and security footage from the area. Riley, prosecutor Sheila Ross said, “marked him” as she “fought for her life.”

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