ATHENS, Ga. — The chilling 911 call that captured Georgia nursing student Laken Riley’s horrifying final moments was played in court Friday — leaving her grieving mother in a flood of tears during the first day of opening statements.
Riley, 22, triggered the emergency function on her cellphone and called 911 while running on the University of Georgia campus around 9:11 a.m. Feb. 22, prosecutor Sheila Ross told the Athens-Clark County courtroom.
Only a male voice was heard on the brief, muffled audio that was played in court.
Riley’s mom, Allyson Phillips, sobs in court as a 911 call is played. AP
Phillips and Riley’s stepfather, John Phillips, in court together. AP
Ibarra allegedly is seen above throwing clothes into a dumpster. Athens-Clarke County Court
Ibarra fled to Georgia to join his brother, Diego (above), where he lives. Athens-Clarke County Court
He was arrested a day after Riley’s body was found and has been jailed without bail since. Athens-Clarke County Court
Gloves with holes and blood were recovered following an investigation into Riley’s murder. Athens-Clarke County CourtThose in the courtroom listened to the operator repeating herself, saying, “Clark County 911. Hello, Clark County 911. Can anyone hear me?”
The call was ended at 9:12, and the operator tried to call back but received no answer, Ross explained.
Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, was seen sobbing during the 911 call.
The suspect, Jose Ibarra, sat stone-faced as the call was played in court.
At 9:30 a.m., Riley left her house wearing white Hoka running shoes and black leggings, according to reports. Athens-Clarke County Court
Photos from Ibarra’s Snapchat show him on the day of the murder. Athens-Clarke County Court
Investigators revealed a jacket that has Riley’s DNA on it. Athens-Clarke County CourtEarlier in the opening statements, prosecutors detailed how Riley fought for life for a staggering 18 minutes.
Ibarra, the state claimed, was “hunting for females” on the picturesque Athens campus when he came upon Riley.
“When Laken Riley refused to be his rape victim, he bashed her skull in with a rock repeatedly,” Sheila Ross alleged.
“The evidence will show that Laken fought. She fought for her life, she fought for her dignity, and in that fight, she caused this defendant to leave forensic evidence behind. She also marked her killer for the entire world to see.””
Laken Riley Case File
Laken Riley was seen jogging at 9:05 a.m. and holding her cellphone in her left hand.
Special Agent Crime Scene Specialist Daniella Stuart holds the phone in court.
State’s exhibit 64 shows blood on a rock found at the University of Georgia murder scene.
Surveillance video cited by prosecutors shows the purported killer disposing of clothes in a dumpster.
Black gloves used in the rape and murder of Laken Riley show wear on the fingers, which prosecutors say allowed their suspect to use the victim’s cellphone.
One of Riley’s friends alerted authorities that she failed to return home from her run later that morning.
The nursing student’s body was found in a wooded area off the running trail shortly after noon.
When The Post first contacted the Athens-Clarke County coroner the day after Riley was killed, the office said there was “evidence of foul play” at the scene, and that it was obvious she had been killed violently.
