College Student, 22, Found Dead in Woods — Her Final Moments Caught on Camera
Months after the tragic death of a 22-year-old college student in Georgia, new details have emerged about the victim’s final moments and the sentencing of her killer.
Laken Riley, a nursing student, was found dead in the woods earlier this year. Recent reports have revealed the last text message she sent to her mother and released surveillance footage of her final moments before her life was taken. The information came to light during the trial of her killer, Jose Ibarra, 26, which began in November 2024.
During the trial, prosecutors shared the text Riley sent to her mom on Tuesday, November 19. Riley had sent the message at 8:55 a.m., shortly before going for a jog on the University of Georgia’s campus. The text read, “Good morning about to go for run if you’re free to talk [sic].” Riley then tried calling her mom at 9:03 a.m., but she didn’t answer. At 9:11 a.m., Riley called 911, and by 9:24 a.m., her mother returned the call but received no answer. Concerned, her mom texted, “Please call me. I’m worried sick about you.”
Reports also showed that Riley’s stepfather and sister had tried reaching out to her without success. The courtroom was shown video footage of Riley jogging along Milledge Avenue Extension at 9:05 a.m., wearing black leggings, a jacket, and running shoes, with her phone in hand. The video continued to show her passing a bus stop and heading toward a wooded area by the Intramural Fields at 9:06 a.m.
Later footage showed Riley’s roommates, Sofia Magana and Lily Steiner, searching for her along the running trails with Magana’s dog. After the defense team presented their case, Judge Haggard delivered his verdict. Ibarra, who chose not to testify, was found guilty of several charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Jose Ibarra was charged with the murder of Laken Riley, which occurred on February 22, 2024. After Riley failed to return from her morning jog, a friend contacted UGA Police at 12:07 p.m. Officers began searching for her and found her unconscious in the woods behind Lake Herrick. She had visible wounds, and though medical aid was provided, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ibarra, who was not a U.S. citizen and was not a student at UGA, was arrested on February 23. Investigators described his crime as a “crime of opportunity,” stating there was no indication that Ibarra knew Riley. Ibarra was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and several other offenses. The investigation revealed that Ibarra had no significant violent criminal history but had planned the crime that day.
Riley’s family and friends were devastated by her loss. Her sister, Lauren Phillips, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Riley her “best friend” and expressing her sorrow. “This isn’t fair, and I will never understand it, but I know you are in heaven with the man you loved most right now,” Phillips wrote.
Sofia Magana also shared a touching message on Instagram, remembering Riley as her “best friend” and highlighting their strong bond. Magana recalled how they became roommates and quickly became best friends. She also shared the dreams they had of attending future milestones together, such as her wedding day and graduation.
Connolly Huth, another one of Riley’s roommates, posted a tribute as well. She shared videos and photos of their time together, including their fun moments dancing and laughing. Huth expressed how much she would miss their shared activities, like running and their daily trips to get Diet Coke, and how Riley’s absence would leave a void in their sorority house.
At this difficult time, our thoughts are with Laken Riley’s family and friends. We wish them healing as they continue to cope with this tragic loss.
