Because the trial of Laken Riley’s killer Jose Ibarra wrapped up, the slain Georgia nursing pupil’s family and friends members shared highly effective reminiscences of her.
Ibarra was convicted of homicide, kidnapping, assault with try to rape and hindering a 911 name, amongst 10 offenses, in an Athens County, Ga., court docket on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Following remarks by her mom, who referred to as Ibarra a “sick, twisted evil coward,” Riley’s stepfather shared an announcement about Riley.
“[Her life] was abundantly and exceptionally filled with promise,” John Phillips stated, at instances choking up throughout his testimony, which was livestreamed on Court TV.
He then provided the court docket a glimpse into the hopes and goals Riley had for her future.
In her final ever journal entry, written on Dec. 17, 2023, she wrote a notice to her hypothetical “future husband,” beginning off by admitting that she felt “foolish” writing it, however expressing her needs for him.
“I would like you to know that I’m fascinated with you, I’m working on a regular basis to turn out to be the most effective spouse I could possibly be,” Phillips learn.
She wrote about “working via” her relationships to arrange for her future husband and youngsters, in line with Phillips’ testimony.
She dreamed of elevating her future kids as Christians in accordance along with her personal spiritual beliefs, Phillips stated.
“I thank Him for you, earlier than I even know you,” Riley reportedly wrote.
Laken Riley/Fb
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Phillips’ remarks had been certainly one of a number of sufferer impression statements shared by Riley’s household and buddies in court docket on Wednesday, shortly earlier than a choose sentenced Ibarra to 2 life sentences and 49 years — all to be served consecutively.
LIVE: GA v. Jose Ibarra, Homicide of Laken Riley Trial – Day 4
Riley, a nursing pupil at Augusta College, was killed on Feb. 22 whereas out on a jog on the College of Georgia campus in Athens. She died from blunt drive trauma, a coroner beforehand confirmed to PEOPLE.
