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Judge Denies New Trial for Nursing Student's Murder Suspect

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A judge in Athens, Georgia denied Jose Ibarra's motion for a new trial in the 2024 murder of nursing student Laken Riley.
Ibarra's lawyers argued delaying the trial for DNA analysis and excluding cellphone evidence violated his rights.
Judge H. Patrick Haggard said evidence against Ibarra was overwhelming and upheld the cellphone seizure as exigent.
Ibarra, who entered the United States illegally in 2022, has 30 days to appeal.

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Story summary

A judge in Athens, Georgia denied Jose Ibarra's motion for a new trial in the 2024 murder of nursing student Laken Riley.
Ibarra's lawyers argued delaying the trial for DNA analysis and excluding cellphone evidence violated his rights.
Judge H. Patrick Haggard said evidence against Ibarra was overwhelming and upheld the cellphone seizure as exigent.
Ibarra, who entered the United States illegally in 2022, has 30 days to appeal.