The trial of Venezuelan José Ibarra for the murder of young Laken Riley has become a closely watched case. According to attorney Luis Carrillo, the defense is seeking for the judge to consider a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
Carrillo mentioned that some defendants and their lawyers believe that a judge may be less emotionally influenced by certain evidence than a jury. He explained that this defense strategy is often used when the evidence against is overwhelming.
The change in the defense strategy came after Judge Haggard denied a motion to suppress evidence in the case, which includes fingerprints, DNA samples, and phone records. Philip Holloway warned that the evidence of guilt is overwhelming.
Since his arrest, one day after the crime, Ibarra has pleaded "not guilty." The case has led Georgia Republican lawmakers to approve a new immigration law in a short time.
According to the prosecution, the suspect attempted to rape the victim before murdering her. He is also accused of spying on and invading the privacy of another person in university dormitories on the same day of the crime.
The trial, in which the victim's parents will be present, is expected to be shorter than a jury trial. Ibarra entered the country from Mexico in 2022 and was released to continue his process seeking asylum.
The defense has requested a bench trial, approved by Judge Haggard. Consulting experts believe that the overwhelming evidence could lead to a guilty verdict.