NBC NIGHTLY NEWS
11/20/24
6:35 PM
LESTER HOLT: In Athens, Georgia today, a judge found an undocumented migrant guilty of three felony murder counts for the killing of Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus. Priya Sridhar has late details on the case that became a focal point of the presidential race.
PRIYA SRIDHAR: After a trial that lasted four days, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ybarra, tonight sentenced to life without parole for the brutal killing of 22-year-old Laken Riley.
ALLYSON PHILLIPS: There is no end to the pain, suffering and loss that we have experienced or will continue to endure.
SRIDHAR: Her family and loved ones, emotional. Seeing the police body camera video, showing the moment Laken Riley's mother first learned her daughter died. Prosecutors say the nursing student was out for a morning jog on the University of Georgia campus in February, when Ybarra, who was lurking in the woods nearby, attempted to rape her, and then killed her.
SHEILA ROSS: Not only does the physical evidence identify him, the video evidence identifies him.
SRIDHAR: Despite numerous studies that indicate undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes, the case has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration during the presidential election cycle. Ibarra an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela.
DONALD TRUMP: Right here in Georgia, our nation was robbed of a brilliant 22-year-old nursing student, Laken Riley.
SRIDHAR: During the trial, the state presenting surveillance video showing Laken Riley's final moments, her last text message to her mother, and her attempt to call 911, before Ybarra attacked her.
ROSS: She did fight. And it is a direct result of that fight that gives you all the physical evidence you need to convict him.
SRIDHAR” Prosecutors say Ybarra's DNA was found underneath Riley’s fingernails, his thumb print on her phone, and Riley's DNA on his jacket he wore when he committed the crime. Prosecutors say this surveillance video shows Ybarra discarding the jacket. The defense claiming the evidence was circumstantial and pointing the finger at Ybarra's brother. Tonight, Riley's family remembering her as a kind, selfless, loving friend and daughter.
JOHN PHILLIPS: The best daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend and overall person that you could ever hope to meet.
HOLT: And Priya joins us now from Athens, Georgia. And Priya, Ybarra could appeal this decision?
SRIDHAR: That's right. The judge told Ybarra he has 30 days to appeal this decision or ask for a new trial in his case. Lester.
HOLT: Priya Sridhar tonight. Thank you.