Athens, Georgia – After the tragic murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz is set to address safety concerns and community initiatives at a press conference on Wednesday morning. The city has come under scrutiny following Riley’s murder and the subsequent arrest of Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan native who entered the country illegally in 2022 and was residing in Athens.
Mayor Girtz is expected to announce investments in public safety and address criticism regarding Athens-Clarke County’s status on immigration issues. The city has been thrust into the national immigration debate, with state officials pointing fingers at the county’s alleged “sanctuary city” status for Riley’s tragic death.
Athens officials have denied claims of being a sanctuary city, highlighting that the state mandates an annual certification process to confirm compliance with immigration laws. The city council passed a resolution in 2019 welcoming immigrants of all statuses, but recent clarifications indicate that the resolution does not hinder law enforcement efforts.
Investigations into Riley’s murder revealed that she and Ibarra did not know each other, with authorities describing the killing as a crime of opportunity. The warrants against Ibarra allege that he physically prevented Riley from calling for help and inflicted fatal injuries on her before concealing her body. It remains unclear why Riley was targeted by Ibarra.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, the accused killer, had a history of illegal entry into the US and faced previous encounters with law enforcement. Authorities are still working to uncover the full details surrounding Riley’s murder and Ibarra’s background.
In response to the tragedy, Georgia lawmakers are pushing for stronger immigration laws, with Republican leaders insisting that Riley’s death could have been prevented. The community has come together in mourning, with hundreds of students holding vigils and memorials to honor Riley’s memory.
As the investigation unfolds and the city grapples with the aftermath of the murder, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Athens-Clarke County. The funeral for Laken Riley is scheduled for March 1, as the community continues to seek closure and justice for the young nursing student.