Judge Orders Mental Competency Evaluation for Convicted Killer Jose Ibarra Amid Appeal for Laken Riley Murder Case

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ATHENS — A judge has ordered a mental competency evaluation for Jose Ibarra, who was convicted of murdering 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, as he seeks to appeal his conviction. The evaluation will assess Ibarra's mental state during the crime and trial, including his understanding of waiving a jury trial and his ability to assist in his appeal preparation. Ibarra's defense has also requested public funds for expert witnesses, while Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without parole following his November conviction for the February 2024 attack on Riley near the University of Georgia campus.