The mother of Laken Riley, the nursing student who was murdered in broad daylight while jogging last Thursday, has spoken out for the first time since her death.
In a heartbreaking post, Allyson Phillips took to Facebook on Saturday, a day after her 22-year-old daughter was laid to rest, to share the unimaginable loss.
The devastated mother said the ordeal was an “avoidable tragedy”, adding: “As I sat down to write this message, I truly have no words.”
‘My family has faced the most devastating and unimaginable loss anyone could 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.
‘I encourage everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I give him all the glory for helping us get through this.’
Riley, a promising young woman, was killed while jogging on a trail around the University of Georgia campus in Athens, in what police described as a “crime of opportunity.”
His alleged murderer, José Antonio Ibarra, is a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen. He was living illegally in the United States.
Allyson Phillips photographed with her late daughter, Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student killed in broad daylight while out jogging last Thursday. She spoke out for the first time in her first public message since the death of her daughter, calling it an “avoidable tragedy.”
The young woman’s friends described her as “a great friend, student and roommate, who loved to run, dance and sing, and who had an infectious laugh,” The New York Times reported.
Riley was buried Friday in Woodstock, Georgia, with more than 1,000 in attendance.
The grieving mother changed her profile photo to a black and red heart, the colors of the University of Georgia, with the hashtag #sayhername.
He continued: ‘It would be very easy to lose our faith in humanity because of this senseless and avoidable tragedy. “The amount of love, support and help we have received during this horrible nightmare is overwhelming.”
She shared how grateful she is for all the unwavering support she has received, “all the texts, calls, flowers, meals, groceries, bows, photos, personal gifts, memorials, gift cards, and donations to Laken’s foundation.” .
‘We are beyond grateful for everyone who has stepped up to be here for us at this difficult time. The outpouring of love has been so enormous that I felt this was the best way to thank everyone in a timely manner.
“I hope each and every one of you know how much we love you and appreciate everything you have done.”
He asked the public to “continue to pray” for his family as they “put one foot in front of the other moving forward.”
The suspect and his brother, Diego Ibarra, entered the United States through the US-Mexico border in 2022.
He was arrested by Border Patrol for crossing the border illegally, but was released shortly after being granted temporary permission to remain in the country, according to federal officials. The New York Times reported.
The mother and daughter have a striking resemblance
Authorities have confirmed that Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen and did not know or have any relationship with Riley.
José Antonio Ibarra, 26, was arrested for the murder of Laken Riley and appeared in court on February 24 when he was formally charged with the young woman’s murder.
Ibarra lived in New York City before moving to Athens, Georgia.
He shared an apartment with his brother who was about a five-minute walk away from where he allegedly killed the young nursing student.
His brother worked as a dishwasher at the University of Georgia, but was fired once school officials learned he had false permanent residency documents. Fox News reported.
Ibarra was arrested on February 23 and formally charged the next day.
He was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another person.