Laken Riley: Slain Georgia jogger's grieving mother calls daughter's death at hands of illegal migrant 'avoidable tragedy'
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
ATHENS, GEORGIA: The mother of Laken Riley, the nursing student who tragically lost her life on Thursday, February 22, has spoken publicly for the first time following her daughter's untimely passing.
Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old college student, was discovered deceased on the University of Georgia campus after her disappearance while out for a jog, as stated by authorities.
Following her murder, Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was apprehended on Friday, February 23, and faces charges including murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another, as reported by UGA police Chief Jeffrey Clark.
What did slain Laken Riley’s mother claim?
In a heart-wrenching Facebook post shared on Saturday, Allyson Phillips expressed her grief, just a day after laying her daughter to rest, Daily Mail reported.
The grieving mother described the tragedy as "an avoidable tragedy," stating, "As I sat down to write this message I really just have no words."
She further stated, “My family has faced the most devastating, unimaginable loss that anyone could ever be forced to endure. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being with me and my family during this heartbreaking time.”
She added, “I encourage everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I give him all the glory for getting us through this”
Laken Riley's mother Allyson Philipps changed her profile photo
Continuing her expression of grief, the mourning mother, Philipps, updated her profile photo to a black and red heart, representing the colors of the University of Georgia, accompanied by the hashtag #sayhername.
In her post, she reflected, “It would be really easy to lose our faith in mankind because of this senseless and avoidable tragedy. The amount of love, support and help that we have received during this horrific nightmare is overwhelming.”
Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support received, she acknowledged, "We are beyond grateful for everyone who has stepped up to be here for us through this difficult time."
She added, "The outpouring of love has been so enormous - that I felt this was the best way to thank you all in a timely manner.'I hope that each and every one of you know how much we love you and appreciate all you have done."
She continued, urging the public to "continue to pray" for her family as they "put one foot in front of the other moving forward."
