Trial for suspect in Georgia nursing student Laken Riley's death to begin

The man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley has waived his right to a jury, paving the way for his bench trial, which is expected to begin Friday morning.

The man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley has waived his right to a jury, paving the way for his bench trial, which is expected to begin Friday morning.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, of Athens, Georgia, was indicted on charges including three counts of felony murder and counts of malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape and "peeping Tom."

Riley’s killing and Ibarra’s arrest set off a political firestorm, with Republicans, including Donald Trump, pointing to Riley’s death in calls for tougher border policies as part of a broader crackdown on immigration.

In a bench trial, the judge will ultimately decide whether the defendant is guilty or innocent, without the help of a jury. The trial is expected to start at 9 a.m. Friday.

Prosecutors are seeking life in prison without the possibility of parole.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/laken-riley-georgia-jose-antonio-ibarra-trial-rcna180272

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