ATHENS, Ga. — In the day after a Augusta University nursing student was found dead on the University of Georgia campus near the intramural fields, authorities concentrated Day 2 of their investigation near an apartment complex.
According to authorities, 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley was found behind Lake Herrick in the forested area on campus, which is not far from the intramural fields.
A search for the suspect has ended. School officials confirmed 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra is facing multiple charges in the case, including murder.
Here's the latest.
What happened at UGA? What we know.
UGA Police Department was called by a concerned friend around noon on Feb. 22. The friend said 22-year-old Riley had gone for a run at the fields on UGA's campus but had not returned, according to authorities.
That's when officers headed down, arriving around 12:38 p.m. to search for Riley. Not too long after, she was found dead behind Lake Herrick in the forested area on campus.
RELATED: Classes canceled at UGA after nursing student found dead after going for run on campus, school says
Latest updates from Athens
Saturday, Feb. 24
10 a.m. | A judge denies bond for Jose Ibarra during his first appearance.
12: 30 a.m. | The Clarke County Sheriff's Office released a photo of Jose Antonio Ibarra.
Friday, Feb. 23
11:15 p.m. | The Department of Justice issued a news release Friday night saying the brother of the suspect, 29-year-old Diego Ibarra, is now in custody facing federal charges unrelated to Riley's death. The DOJ said Diego Ibarra is an undocumented man from Venezuela charged with having a fake green card. He was approached by Athens-Clarke County Police because he matched the description of a suspect wanted in Riley's death. However, he's not charged in the death of Riley, only with having a fake green card. The police chief said earlier he believes Jose Ibarra was the only person allegedly involved in killing Riley.
9:00 p.m. | In the latest update from UGA, officials said classes will resume Monday, Feb. 26.
Student Greek organizations Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma will jointly host a vigil at Tate Plaza on Monday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. to in honor of Riley and another student who died earlier this week. The service is open to the campus community.
7:50 p.m. | Re-watch UGA's full news conference about the suspect below.
7:28 p.m. | Gov. Kemp has issued a statement saying he is "shaken and heartbroken" over Riley's death.
7:05 p.m. | UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark said the suspect in the case, Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault false imprisonment, kidnapping, and other charges. They have been collecting "robust" evidence in this case.
Authorities said they served a search warrant on his apartment that was still underway.
"At this time, the search warrant is taking place at the apartment right now as we speak," Clark said. "That evidence is not known."
Clark added that they didn't need the evidence from inside of the apartment to charge Ibarra.
Several agencies joined Clark for the news conference to make the announcement. The investigation suggests at this time the suspect did not know Riley, Clark said.
6:45 p.m. | UGA plans to hold a news conference at 7 p.m. Viewers can watch it here once it begins.
5:14 p.m. | A suspect has been arrested in connection to the death of Riley, UGA officials confirmed on their website.
"At this time, there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter," the statement said.
5:05 p.m. | Officials with UGA said they will be holding a news conference at 7 p.m. to give the latest updates in the case.
3:45 p.m. | In a statement, the Cherokee County school district, where Riley used to attend school, said the "world has lost a shining light."
"An outstanding scholar athlete, Laken inspired classmates and teachers with her love of learning and her kindness to all. We ask that the community please keep her family in their hearts," Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower said in a statement.
River Ridge High School cross country coach Keith Hooper added that Riley was an "unselfish individual," describing the time she gave up the chance to run a final her senior year because she thought she was "not 100% fit."
"Her passion for health care science and running are to be admired," Hooper said. "She will always accompany us as we run. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
1:36 p.m. | Augusta University has released a photo of Riley.
1:10 p.m. | According to UGA spokesperson Greg Trevor, authorities have been working "around the clock" for answers to bring anyone involved "to justice." Right now, he said the school's highest priority is the safety and security of the the campus community.
Trevor said so far, the UGA Police Department have identified a person of interest who is being questioned in relation to the investigation.
12 p.m. | An investigation is taking place at Cielo at Azulyk and Argo Apartment Community regarding an Augusta University student. Police told 11Alive's Molly Oak they have made an arrest but have not said it was connected to the case.
Video and photos from 11Alive crews on the scene showed investigators with police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation combing though the location, including digging around in a trash can.
11 a.m. | The University of Georgia said Riley was a student with them through Spring Semester 2023 before transferring to the Augusta University College of Nursing program at Athens, where she was currently enrolled.
10 a.m. | The Athens Clarke-County coroner identified the victim as 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley.
8 a.m. | Augusta University clarified that Riley was a nursing student. The university has a partnership that allows its students to participate in UGA campus activities.
11Alive's Liza Lucas was in Athens Friday morning and said counseling services are available for all students. The Augusta University president and dean are also on campus speaking with students.
RELATED: UGA students say they fear for their safety after woman found dead after going for run on campus
More questions relating to the case
- Was the woman a UGA student?
No, Augusta University confirmed the news Thursday night that the woman found dead was a nursing student with its university. UGA confirmed Friday that she was a former student and had transferred after Spring 2023.
- Are there cameras in the area?
Yes, UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark has confirmed that there are cameras in the area.
- Is this the second death in 24 hours at UGA?
Yes, UGA said another student died in Brumby Hall on Thursday night, calling it "sudden."
Latest press conference from UGA police
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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