ATHENS, Ga.—The man accused of killing a nursing student whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus appeared in court Friday ahead of his scheduled trial next month, as lawyers sparred over whether police acted properly during their investigation.
Jose Ibarra is charged with murder and other crimes in the February killing of Laken Hope Riley. A 10-count indictment accuses Ibarra of hitting the 22-year-old Augusta University College of Nursing student in the head, asphyxiating her and pulling up her clothing with the intent to sexually assault her. Ibarra pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard said during a hearing in August that he plans to begin jury selection on Nov. 13 and proceed with the trial the following week….