Authorities in Georgia have released the cause of death in the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year old nursing student that disappeared while jogging at her college campus.
A student at Augusta University’s campus in Athens, Georgia, Riley died from blunt force trauma to the head, according to the coroner at the Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s Office and Morgue.
Authorities claim the suspect in the murder was 26-year old Jose Ibarra and he has been arrested.
Riley’s disappearance was reported by her friend after she failed to return home from her jog.
Authorities found Riley’s body later that day in the woods behind Lake Herrick and she was unconscious and not breathing, and had visible injuries.
Georgia officials have since revealed gruesome details about the killing and accused Ibarra of disfiguring her skull.
During the investigation it was discovered that Ibarra had used an object to harm Riley during the incident. He also physically hindered the victim from making a 911 call and proceeded to drag her body to a secluded area.
Ibarra was arrested on Friday and has been charged with several offenses, including murder, kidnapping and assault.
Authorities say that Ibarra did not know Riley prior to the incident and he was also not a student at the University. It was also stated that he acted alone and there were no accomplices involved.
Ibarra is a Venezuelan citizen who entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2022, according to immigration authorities. He is currently being held without bail in Clarke County.