Father Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Laken Riley's Campus Murder
Jason Riley, the father of Laken Riley, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and several property management companies. The lawsuit alleges negligence that he claims led to his daughter's death on the University of Georgia campus in Athens in February 2024.
Details of the Lawsuit
The suit, filed Monday in Gwinnett County State Court, accuses the Board of Regents of failing to provide a reasonably safe premises and not notifying students of a threat posed by Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan man convicted of Riley's murder. It states that just over an hour before the 22-year-old nursing student was killed, Ibarra had attempted to enter an on-campus apartment before fleeing into a wooded area.
"Soon thereafter, with no knowledge of the potential assailant and no reason to suspect any danger, nursing student Laken Riley went for her routine morning run near the Intramural Fields on the UGA campus," the lawsuit reads.
Allegations of Systemic Failures
The lawsuit further claims the Board of Regents failed to follow its own policies on screening employees, resulting in Ibarra's brother—who was also in the U.S. illegally—being employed on campus. It also alleges the board failed to monitor criminal activity adequately.
A Board of Regents spokesperson declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
The Tragic Incident
Laken Riley, a student at Augusta University College of Nursing, was out for a run on the University of Georgia campus on February 22, 2024, when Jose Ibarra attacked her. According to court records, Ibarra tried to rape Riley, then smashed her head with a rock and asphyxiated her when she fought back.
Ibarra, 28, was convicted of murder and other charges in 2025 and sentenced to life without parole.
Property Management Negligence Claims
The lawsuit also targets property management companies, alleging they failed to properly screen prospective tenants. It claims they allowed Ibarra to live in an apartment complex near campus despite his illegal immigration status and criminal history.
"Had the property manager not permitted Ibarra to live in the Apartments in close proximity to the citizens of Athens and students of the University of Georgia, Ibarra would not have had the opportunity to assault and murder Ms. Riley in February 2024," the suit states.
Connection to Immigration Reform
Ibarra had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while pursuing his immigration case. Riley's death became a focal point in immigration debates, leading to the Laken Riley Act, the first legislation signed by President Donald Trump after returning to the White House.
The act mandates federal detention of illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes. Officials recently marked its one-year anniversary, announcing that over 20,000 illegal migrants charged or convicted of crimes have been detained since its enactment.
Legal Proceedings and Demands
Jason Riley is requesting a jury trial and seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with reimbursement of legal costs. The case highlights ongoing concerns about campus safety and institutional accountability in tragic events.
