Laken Riley murder: Georgia senator demands death penalty for Jose Ibarra
State Senator Calls for Death Penalty in Laken Riley Murder Case
A state senator in Georgia is demanding that Attorney General Chris Carr file an emergency motion to intervene and demand the death penalty against Laken Riley’s killer. District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez had previously stated that she would not pursue the death penalty for Jose Ibarra, the illegal immigrant who was found guilty of stalking, raping, and murdering Riley in February. The decision not to seek the death penalty was based on the collateral consequences to undocumented defendants.
Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant, was found guilty of brutally attacking Riley while she was out for an early morning run on the University of Georgia campus. Prosecutors revealed that Riley fought her attacker for approximately 18 minutes before succumbing to blunt force trauma. Ibarra dragged her off a wooded trail and bashed her skull with a rock, resulting in her tragic death.
State Senator Colton Moore, a Republican, is calling on Attorney General Chris Carr to intervene and demand the death penalty for Ibarra. Moore criticized District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez for letting her political agenda stand in the way of justice. He argued that by refusing to seek the death penalty, Gonzalez denied Riley’s family, friends, and community the full measure of justice they deserve.
In response to inquiries about Gonzalez’s reasoning, her office stated that life without parole is an appropriately serious sentence and is supported by Riley’s family. They emphasized that the decision was made after hearing impact statements from Riley’s loved ones during the sentencing.
Attorney General Chris Carr’s office claimed that they do not have jurisdiction to intervene in the case. However, Senator Moore cited the Georgia Constitution, which grants the attorney general jurisdiction in any felony case. He emphasized that Carr should have taken action, especially given the clear evidence against Ibarra.
Moore expressed concern over the taxpayer-funded flights Ibarra received and the ongoing cost of housing and feeding him now that he has been sentenced to life without parole. He also criticized the idea of a sanctuary city, where criminals like Ibarra can evade capital punishment.
Despite Carr’s spokesperson stating that the attorney general does not have the authority to intervene, Moore vowed to push for a different attorney general in the next election. Carr recently announced his gubernatorial campaign for the 2026 race, prompting Moore to campaign against him to ensure a different future for the state.
As the community continues to grapple with the tragic loss of Laken Riley, the call for justice and accountability remains strong. Carr expressed his condolences for Riley’s family and friends, acknowledging the heartbreaking evidence presented in court. The fight for justice for Laken Riley continues, as the community seeks closure and a sense of peace.
