A 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University in Georgia was murdered while on a run on Feb. 22. The victim, Laken Riley, was running at the University of Georgia (UGA)’s intramural field in Athens, Georgia when she was killed. This is the first reported tragedy on UGA’s campus in almost 30 years.
A friend of Riley’s contacted the police with concerns after she did not return from her run, and it was shortly thereafter that her body was found. The news of her passing came within just hours after the discovery of freshman Wyatt Banks’ death by suicide in one of the campus’ dorm buildings. The campus felt both of their passings deeply.
Following the events, UGA announced classes would be canceled after 5 p.m. on Feb. 22 as well as Friday, Feb. 23. In their announcement, the university also assured students that they were working closely with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to investigate further into the suspected foul play at hand.
A UGA student said to CNN that the intramural fields where Riley was found are a popular hangout or workout spot on campus, and students are now distressed about returning to that location.
The suspect has since been identified by authorities and formally charged with numerous murder and assault charges related to Riley’s death. Controversy has sparked surrounding the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant who reportedly entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2022. Ibarra’s citizenship has become a hot topic in relation to Riley’s murder, sparking conversations about immigration.
Also in their statement, UGA urged any students remaining on campus that weekend to stay vigilant and travel in groups. Many students chose to leave campus following the traumatic events, and those who stayed reported that the campus felt “very heavy.”
Students held a vigil for Banks and Riley on Feb. 26 in the heart of campus, sending prayers and love to the victims and their families. Speakers at the vigil uplifted the attendees during such a difficult and uncertain time and encouraged students to “tell your friends that you love them.”
During this time, students have expressed their concerns about safety on campus. A UGA student said to CNN that the intramural fields where Riley was found are a popular hangout or workout spot on campus, and students are now distressed about returning to that location.
Responding to recent events and concerns of the students, UGA released a statement on Monday that they are committed to furthering campus safety efforts. In the official statement, UGA President Jere W. Morehead shared the university’s plans to strengthen their safety efforts.
The approved new safety measures, amounting to over $7.3 million, include a 20% budget increase to the UGA Police Department, an increase in security cameras, license plate readers and blue light call box centers, and an extension to the RideSmart program.
With these increased safety initiatives, the university hopes that students will feel more comfortable on campus and prevent any future dangerous events.
mkane10@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Boston Public Library, Wikimedia
