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The unlawful Venezuelan migrant charged within the stunning slaying of Georgia nursing pupil Laken Riley “shouldn’t have even been right here,” her outraged buddy mentioned.
Riley, a 22-year-old pupil at Augusta University, was killed on Feb. 22 whereas jogging on the close by University of Georgia campus.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen who entered the United States illegally in 2022, is being held with out bond on costs of malice homicide, felony homicide, aggravated battery, kidnapping and different counts.
The suspect, who didn’t know Riley, by no means ought to’ve been in a position to perform the alleged assault on the beloved pupil, former classmate and buddy Callie Irvin advised The Post.
“I believe it’s beginning to set in what actually occurred,” Irvin mentioned Friday. “We had been shocked and actually unhappy. It was completely surprising.
“But now there’s anger. At least I can say that I’m offended.”
Irvin mentioned she and others near Riley had been furious that Ibarra, who lived in Athens, Ga., had been allowed to remain within the United States after getting into the nation illegally two years in the past.
“People are actually beginning to query why this was allowed to occur,” she continued. “None of us is trying to make this right into a political factor. That’s not who Laken was.
“But the information are the information. He shouldn’t have been allowed to do that. He shouldn’t have even been right here.”
Riley, whose demise took heart stage throughout Thursday’s State of the Union speech, didn’t return residence from a run final month, prompting associates to name authorities.
UGA police later discovered her physique, which was “severely” disfigured, as was her cranium, based on affidavits.
Follow together with The Post’s protection of Laken Riley’s homicide
“I believe as time goes on, the shock will put on off, and we’re all going to get actually mad,” Irvin mentioned. “Because this was mindless and may have been prevented.”
Riley’s mom, in the meantime, mentioned the slaying has shattered her household.
“We will perpetually be glad about the laborious work, love, help, prayers and energy all of them put into serving to us navigate this tragic time,” Allyson Phillips wrote to pastors in a Facebook put up days after her daughter’s celebration of life at Woodstock City Church.
“Laken liked to ask individuals to go to church along with her and share her religion,” her devastated mother wrote. “Her love for our Lord, Jesus was infectious and helped many individuals develop or broaden their relationship with our Lord and Savior.”
Riley “knew Jesus personally” and can “dwell eternally,” Phillips insisted.
“He by no means left her facet till the final second she was right here on earth and He will deal with her now and perpetually in heaven,” Phillips’ put up continued.
“I discover peace throughout this devastation in understanding that.”
