A Venezuelan man convicted of killing a nursing student in the US state of Georgia was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday (Nov 20) without the possibility of parole, American media reported.

A Venezuelan man convicted of killing a nursing student in the US state of Georgia was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday (Nov 20) without the possibility of parole, American media reported. Twenty-two-year-old Laken Riley was murdered on February 22 while she was on a jog at the University of Georgia campus. Riley was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing, which also has a campus in Athens. The accused was identified as 26-year-old Jose Ibarra. The case again renewed the debate over immigration when federal authorities said that Ibarra illegally entered the US in 2022 and was allowed to stay in the country while he pursued his immigration case. Ibarra charged with Riley's murder A report by the news agency Associated Press early Thursday (Nov 21) said that Ibarra was charged with murder and other crimes in Riley's death. Also read | Laken Riley: Georgia nursing student murder suspect also disfigured her skull, reveal court documents Wednesday’s verdict was reached by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H Patrick Haggard. The report said that Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, meaning Judge Haggard alone heard and decided the case. Haggard found Ibarra guilty of all 10 counts against him- one count of malice murder; three counts of felony murder; and one count each of kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing an emergency call, evidence tampering and being a peeping Tom. Prosecutor asks judge for Maximum sentence As the verdict was being announced on Wednesday, Defence Attorney John Donnelly asked Haggard to give Ibarra two consecutive life sentences but to allow him the eventual possibility of parole, the Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, Prosecutor Sheila Ross asked the judge for the maximum sentence, saying Riley's family should never have to worry about Ibarra being released. “You can’t bring her back and it’s horrible. What you can do is give comfort with your sentence,” Ross said. Haggard ultimately gave Ibarra the maximum sentence he could impose, including life in prison without the possibility of parole on the malice murder count. 'I cannot walk around my own college campus' Reacting to the verdict, Riley's mother Allyson Phillips said that there was no end to the pain, suffering, and loss that the family experienced and would continue to endure. Riley’s younger sister, Lauren Phillips, a freshman at the University of Georgia, talked about the pain of living without her “favourite person” and “biggest role model.” “I cannot walk around my own college campus because I’m terrified of people like Jose Ibarra,” Lauren said. (With inputs from agencies)

Laken Riley murder: Man accused of killing US nursing student sentenced to life in prison without parole

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (March 9) expressed regret over&nbsp;using the term "illegal" while speaking about the suspected killer of Laken Riley during his State of the Union address.&nbsp;

Later, former president and Biden's 2024 GOP rival Donald Trump blasted the immigration policies of the Democrat and held him responsible for the death of Laken Riley, while speaking at a rally attended by the family and friends of a Georgia nursing student.

The US president expressed regret over his comments after he faced criticism from some of his party members for using the term in the context of people who have arrived or are living in the country illegally.

“I shouldn’t have used illegal, it’s undocumented,” said Biden, in an interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart which was recorded in Atlanta.

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The comment was made by Biden on Thursday night (Mar 7) while speaking about a bipartisan border security deal which did not go through after Trump opposed it.&nbsp;

Then, Trump ally US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted at the president to say Laken Riley's name, who was a Georgia woman and was killed last month, further saying that she was killed "by an illegal."

"By an illegal, that's right," responded Biden and asked how many people are being killed by "legals."

<h2>Trump blasts Biden over 'illegal' comment</h2>

Trump, who was in Rome, Georgia, blasted Biden for the comments.

“Joe Biden went on television and apologised for calling Laken’s murderer an illegal," Trump said. “Biden should be apologising for apologising to this killer," he added.

Riley's parents, her sister and friends had joined Trump at his rally. “We share your grief," said Trump, in his remarks.

In his speech, Trump also attacked Biden for mispronouncing Riley’s name during his State of the Union address.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden says, I want a 'come to Jesus' meeting with Netanyahu

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“What Joe Biden has done on our border is a crime against humanity and the people of this nation for which he will never be forgiven,” said Trump, adding that Riley “would be alive today if Joe Biden had not willfully and maliciously eviscerated the borders of the United States and set loose thousands and thousands of dangerous criminals into our country.”

Contrasting his rhetoric with Biden's remark, Trump said, “I say he was an illegal alien. He was an illegal immigrant."&nbsp;

He said that Biden has "no remorse". &nbsp;"He’s got no regret, he’s got no empathy, no compassion, and worst of all, he has no intention of stopping the deadly invasion that stole precious Laken’s beautiful American life,” said Trump.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (March 9) expressed regret over using the term "illegal" while speaking about the suspected killer of Laken Riley during his State of the Union address.

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (March 9) expressed regret over using the term "illegal" while speaking about the suspected killer of Laken Riley during his State of the Union address. Later, former president and Biden's 2024 GOP rival Donald Trump blasted the immigration policies of the Democrat and held him responsible for the death of Laken Riley, while speaking at a rally attended by the family and friends of a Georgia nursing student. The US president expressed regret over his comments after he faced criticism from some of his party members for using the term in the context of people who have arrived or are living in the country illegally. “I shouldn’t have used illegal, it’s undocumented,” said Biden, in an interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart which was recorded in Atlanta. Also Read: Prez Biden caught on hot mic, says need to hold 'come to Jesus' meet with Netanyahu The comment was made by Biden on Thursday night (Mar 7) while speaking about a bipartisan border security deal which did not go through after Trump opposed it. Then, Trump ally US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted at the president to say Laken Riley's name, who was a Georgia woman and was killed last month, further saying that she was killed "by an illegal." "By an illegal, that's right," responded Biden and asked how many people are being killed by "legals." Trump blasts Biden over 'illegal' comment Trump, who was in Rome, Georgia, blasted Biden for the comments. “Joe Biden went on television and apologised for calling Laken’s murderer an illegal," Trump said. “Biden should be apologising for apologising to this killer," he added. Riley's parents, her sister and friends had joined Trump at his rally. “We share your grief," said Trump, in his remarks. In his speech, Trump also attacked Biden for mispronouncing Riley’s name during his State of the Union address. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden says, I want a 'come to Jesus' meeting with Netanyahu “What Joe Biden has done on our border is a crime against humanity and the people of this nation for which he will never be forgiven,” said Trump, adding that Riley “would be alive today if Joe Biden had not willfully and maliciously eviscerated the borders of the United States and set loose thousands and thousands of dangerous criminals into our country.” Contrasting his rhetoric with Biden's remark, Trump said, “I say he was an illegal alien. He was an illegal immigrant." He said that Biden has "no remorse". "He’s got no regret, he’s got no empathy, no compassion, and worst of all, he has no intention of stopping the deadly invasion that stole precious Laken’s beautiful American life,” said Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden expresses regret over using term 'illegal' over Laken Riley's death

During the recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden found himself at the centre&nbsp;of a lighthearted yet embarrassing moment as he confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley, the USC Head Coach. Joe Biden, who is giving a speech for the first time after announcing his candidacy for a second presidential run, also compared thousands of refugees trying to enter the country with Riley, leaving the internet confused like never before.

Biden was seen raising the Laken Riley support pin, given to him by US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. He then confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley's name with Lincoln Riley.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gaza-war-putin-and-more-key-takeaways-from-joe-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-2024-697872">Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024</a>

Lincoln Riley is the USC Head Coach.&nbsp;

US Representative Greene launched the initiatives "Say Her Name Laken Riley" and "STOP THE BIDEN BORDER CRISIS". Marjorie was sporting a T-shirt honouring the late 22-year-old.

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MTG Calls out Joe Biden at the SOTU! 
 
"What about Laken Riley!?" 
 
"Say Her Name!" 
 
Joe Biden responded by mistaking her for the USC Head Coach, Lincoln Riley. <a href="https://t.co/hGyZjM6KZy">pic.twitter.com/hGyZjM6KZy</a>
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACTBrigitte/status/1765938782778376498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The debate on social media intensified after this&nbsp;comparison.&nbsp;

Biden then went on to compare Lincoln Riley with the countless refugees seeking entry into the country and was then accused of&nbsp;using the "narrative to pitch for his immigration bill."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282">White House reacts to alleged killing of Laken Hope Riley by undocumented immigrant</a>

Biden said he was concerned about accidentally hurting innocent immigrants who are only trying to support their families but added that the situation remains complex.

The US president mentioned Riley's name after it was called out by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who said she was murdered by "an illegal".

In response, while wrapping up the speech, Biden listed down the things he won't do on immigration. He said, "I will not demonise immigrants saying they 'poison the blood of our country' as he said in his own words," referring to former President Donald Trump's infamous repetition of Adolf Hitler's words.

Also watch |&nbsp;US leaders caught in string of gaffes; Republicans question Biden mental acuity

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The President of The United States added, "I will not separate families. I will not ban people from America because of their faith," he added while referring to Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance policy and the so-called "Muslim ban."

(With inputs from agencies)

During the recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden found himself at the centre of a lighthearted yet embarrassing moment as he confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley, the USC Head Coach.

During the recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden found himself at the centre of a lighthearted yet embarrassing moment as he confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley, the USC Head Coach. Joe Biden, who is giving a speech for the first time after announcing his candidacy for a second presidential run, also compared thousands of refugees trying to enter the country with Riley, leaving the internet confused like never before. Biden was seen raising the Laken Riley support pin, given to him by US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. He then confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley's name with Lincoln Riley. Also read | Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024 Lincoln Riley is the USC Head Coach. US Representative Greene launched the initiatives "Say Her Name Laken Riley" and "STOP THE BIDEN BORDER CRISIS". Marjorie was sporting a T-shirt honouring the late 22-year-old. MTG Calls out Joe Biden at the SOTU! "What about Laken Riley!?" "Say Her Name!" Joe Biden responded by mistaking her for the USC Head Coach, Lincoln Riley. pic.twitter.com/hGyZjM6KZy — Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) March 8, 2024 × The debate on social media intensified after this comparison. Biden then went on to compare Lincoln Riley with the countless refugees seeking entry into the country and was then accused of using the "narrative to pitch for his immigration bill." Also read | White House reacts to alleged killing of Laken Hope Riley by undocumented immigrant Biden said he was concerned about accidentally hurting innocent immigrants who are only trying to support their families but added that the situation remains complex. The US president mentioned Riley's name after it was called out by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who said she was murdered by "an illegal". In response, while wrapping up the speech, Biden listed down the things he won't do on immigration. He said, "I will not demonise immigrants saying they 'poison the blood of our country' as he said in his own words," referring to former President Donald Trump's infamous repetition of Adolf Hitler's words. Also watch | US leaders caught in string of gaffes; Republicans question Biden mental acuity × The President of The United States added, "I will not separate families. I will not ban people from America because of their faith," he added while referring to Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance policy and the so-called "Muslim ban." (With inputs from agencies)

SOTU 2024: Biden confuses Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley in pitch for immigration bill

Affidavits filed in the case of Laken Riley, the nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus, reveal that the suspect is accused of using an object as a weapon and disfiguring her skull.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL0_yW2cuEAxUXfGwGHcvJCMMQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0QKqXNkkA-eUGc96beFzh_" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282" target="_blank">White House reacts to alleged killing of&nbsp;Laken&nbsp;Hope&nbsp;Riley</a>

According to the affidavit filed on February 23, Jose Antonio Ibarra is accused of the crime of physically impeding a 911 call and the felonies of malice murder, abduction, false detention, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another.

According to new information added this week, Ibarra did commit the offence of aggravated battery when he cruelly causes bodily harm to another by seriously disfiguring her body or a member thereof by disfiguring her skull.

Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen, entered the US unlawfully in 2022, according to immigration authorities.

Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was found dead after not returning from a morning run on the University of Georgia campus. Riley's roommate reported she did not return from an early morning run. 
 
Later, University of Georgia police found her body in the woods along a trail by the intramural fields that afternoon.

The tragic incident has become a political talking point, with Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp, using it to criticise President Biden's immigration policies.

In a letter to President Joe Biden last week, Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp demanded a response to questions surrounding the immigration status of the arrested suspect in the murder of Laken Riley and asylum claims of the suspect's brother.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that Ibarra was detained in 2022 after entering from Mexico and had a prior arrest in New York.

On Monday (Feb 26), the White House addressed Riley's murder, expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-make-immigration-faster-easier-for-ai-professionals-how-will-this-help-indians-653502">US to make immigration faster, easier for AI professionals. How will this help Indians?</a>

A spokesperson for the White House informed Fox News Digital that individuals found guilty should face full accountability within the bounds of the law. As the case is currently active, inquiries were directed to state law enforcement and ICE.

In a separate development, Athens-Clarke County District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez appointed a special prosecutor, attorney Sheila Ross, emphasising her expertise in seeking justice for Laken Riley.

(With inputs from agencies)

Affidavits filed in the case of Laken Riley, the nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus, reveal that the suspect is accused of using an object as a weapon and disfiguring her skull.

Affidavits filed in the case of Laken Riley, the nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus, reveal that the suspect is accused of using an object as a weapon and disfiguring her skull. Also read: White House reacts to alleged killing of Laken Hope Riley According to the affidavit filed on February 23, Jose Antonio Ibarra is accused of the crime of physically impeding a 911 call and the felonies of malice murder, abduction, false detention, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another. According to new information added this week, Ibarra did commit the offence of aggravated battery when he cruelly causes bodily harm to another by seriously disfiguring her body or a member thereof by disfiguring her skull. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen, entered the US unlawfully in 2022, according to immigration authorities. Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was found dead after not returning from a morning run on the University of Georgia campus. Riley's roommate reported she did not return from an early morning run. Later, University of Georgia police found her body in the woods along a trail by the intramural fields that afternoon. The tragic incident has become a political talking point, with Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp, using it to criticise President Biden's immigration policies. In a letter to President Joe Biden last week, Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp demanded a response to questions surrounding the immigration status of the arrested suspect in the murder of Laken Riley and asylum claims of the suspect's brother. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that Ibarra was detained in 2022 after entering from Mexico and had a prior arrest in New York. On Monday (Feb 26), the White House addressed Riley's murder, expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley. Also read | US to make immigration faster, easier for AI professionals. How will this help Indians? A spokesperson for the White House informed Fox News Digital that individuals found guilty should face full accountability within the bounds of the law. As the case is currently active, inquiries were directed to state law enforcement and ICE. In a separate development, Athens-Clarke County District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez appointed a special prosecutor, attorney Sheila Ross, emphasising her expertise in seeking justice for Laken Riley. (With inputs from agencies)

Laken Riley: Georgia nursing student murder suspect also disfigured her skull, reveal court documents

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Laken Riley murder: Man accused of killing US nursing student sentenced to life in prison without parole

US President Biden expresses regret over using term 'illegal' over Laken Riley's death

SOTU 2024: Biden confuses Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley in pitch for immigration bill

Laken Riley: Georgia nursing student murder suspect also disfigured her skull, reveal court documents