Accused killer of Laken Riley demands jury trial, documents say

ATHENS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Attorneys for the accused killer of nursing student Laken Riley have filed a motion demanding a jury trial, according to court documents.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, faces charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another in connection to the death of 22-year-old Riley. His arrest warrants accuse him of “disfiguring” Riley’s skull by hitting her with an unidentified object. He also allegedly dragged her body to a “secluded area” to hide the death, the warrants say.

Ibarra’s filing also demands access to whatever evidence might be presented in the trial. The filing also demands “details of any agreements the state has made for favorable treatment of any person associated with the case.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Ibarra illegally entered the United States.

Riley’s death has become a rallying point for Republicans seeking tighter border security. The House recently ed the Laken Riley Act, which would which would require federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft in the U.S.

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