Laken Riley funeral: Internet mourns death of ‘poor angel’ as nursing student killed on UGA campus is laid to rest
ATHENS, GEORGIA: Nursing student Laken Riley's funeral was held in her hometown on Friday, March 1, one week after she was killed allegedly by an illegal migrant while jogging on the University of Georgia campus.
22-years-old Riley was commemorated with a 2 pm funeral service at Woodstock City Church in Woodstock as reported by Fox 5.
Who killed Laken Riley?
Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was arrested on Friday, February 23, and charged with murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another, according to UGA police Chief Jeffrey Clark.
Ibarra lives in Athens but he is not a US citizen, this is one major reason why the death of Riley is causing a backlash against the government. He also has no known affiliation with UGA and investigators do not believe Ibarra knew Riley.
As per recent reports by Fox News, Ibarra has decided not to seek bond. A motion to defer bail determination was filed with the Athens-Clarke County court on February 29.
What did Laken Riley's father say?
Riley was born in Georgia, United States, in 2001 to John Phillips and Allyson Phillips. She grew up in Woodstock alongside her sister, Lauren Phillips.
Riley's father issued a statement on behalf of the family on GoFundMe. He wrote, "On behalf of our entire family we would like send out a heartfelt thank you for your donations and overwhelming support."
He added, "Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and overall person in general. Her love for the Lord was exemplified in every aspect of her life. She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way. Every single dollar donated will go towards starting the Laken Hope Riley Foundation and will be used to drive homicide awareness and safety for women. Again, thank you for your kind support and we love you all!"
Laken Riley fondly remembered at her funeral
The streets around the church were clogged with cars as what appeared to be hundreds of people braved the rain to pay tribute to the jogger. The family received visitors for two hours ahead of the service.
"Laken was special. She was a gift to anyone who knew her. Smart, kind, compassionate, and thoughtful don’t even begin to scratch the surface,” pastor Samer Massad said before the service, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
"She was a loving daughter, sister and friend. She had a gift for making anyone she was around feel comfortable and seen,” he added.
Riley who was a student at the University of Georgia for three years before transferring to the nursing program at nearby Augusta University was found dead on a jogging trail on the Athens campus on February 22. She was reported missing by a friend when she failed to return from her regular morning run.
An autopsy later revealed she had been killed by a “seriously disfiguring” head wound.
As per, the New York Post, Following Riley's death and Ibarra's arrest, there was an immediate public outcry against immigration laws, with some politicians using the case to push for stricter measures to address the migrant situation. According to reports, in September 2022, Ibarra entered the country through El Paso's southern border. Diego Ibarra was previously taken into custody three times in the Athens, Georgia, area between September and December of 2023.
In the wake of RIley’s death, UGA has poured $7.3 million into security upgrades.
Internet mourns slain Laken Riley after her funeral
The funeral of Riley gained a lot of attention on social media. A Facebook user commented, “What happened to her is absolutely so horrible and appalling. Prayers for her family and friends. And I hope, they know the rest of the nation is shedding tears with them.”
Another social media user wrote, “This should be televised everywhere.”
Another user wrote, “My heart aches for Laken's family, friends, and classmates, and for others personally affected by violent crime. Comfort, peace, and healing to all who grieve.”
The next user wrote, “Prayers for the poor Angel and her parents. I can imagine how the parents feels. I have three grown children.”
A user wrote, “God Bless this young lady! This country failed her.” A user mourned saying, “Condolences to the family. poor family stay strong!”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
