In what is likely an answered prayer for many, DA Gonzalez announced that she would NOT be attempting to prosecute the case against Jose Antonio Ibarra for murdering Laken Hope Riley on February 22, 2024 at UGA’s intramural fields off College Station Road. Instead, Sheila Ross, a veteran lawyer with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council (PAC) will take full responsibility for the prosecution of the case.
Despite her many shortcomings, Ms. Gonzalez should be praised for realizing that she was not capable of properly addressing this case.
Relevant Court Files:
News Stories
Gov. Brian Kemp questions Athens DA on her ability to prosecute accused killer of Laken Riley
District Attorney Previously Stated She Would Not Seek the Death Penalty, but that decision is no longer hers concerning the alleged killer of Laken.