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 buried, to share the unimaginable loss.
The devastated mum said the ordeal was an ‘avoidable tragedy’, adding: ‘When I sat down to write this post I’m really just at a loss for words.
“My family has suffered the most devastating, unimaginable loss anyone would ever have to endure. I want 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 credit for getting us through this.”
Riley, a promising young woman, was murdered while jogging on a trail around the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, in what police described as a “crime of opportunity.”
Her alleged killer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen lived in the US illegally.
Allyson Phillips pictured with her late daughter Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered in broad daylight while jogging last Thursday. She spoke out for the first time in her first public message since her daughter’s death, calling it an “avoidable tragedy”
Friends of the young woman described her as “a wonderful friend, student and roommate, who loved running, dancing and singing, and who had an infectious laugh,” The New York Times reported.
Riley was buried Friday in Woodstock, Georgia, with more than 1,000 people 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.
She continued, “It would be very easy to lose our faith in humanity over this senseless and avoidable tragedy. The amount of love, support and help we have received during this horrific nightmare has been overwhelming.”
She expressed how grateful she is for all the continued support she has received, “all the texts, calls, flowers, meals, groceries, bows, photos, personal gifts, memorials, gift cards and donations to the Laken Foundation.”
‘We are beyond grateful to everyone who has stepped up to be here for us during this difficult time. The outpouring of love has been so enormous that I felt this was the best way to thank you all in a timely manner.
“I hope you all know how much we love you and appreciate everything you’ve done.”
She asked the audience to “continue to pray” for her family as they “put one foot in front of the other to move forward.”
The suspect and his brother, Diego Ibarra, entered the United States through the United States-Mexico border in 2022.
He was arrested by the Border Patrol for crossing the border illegally, but was released shortly after he was granted temporary permission to remain in the country, federal officials said. The New York Times reported.
The mother and daughter have a striking resemblance
Officials confirmed that Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen and did not know or have any relationship with Riley
Jose 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, about a five-minute walk away, where he allegedly murdered the young nursing student.
His brother worked as a dishwasher at the University of Georgia but was fired when school officials learned he had fake green card documents. Fox news reported.
Ibarra was arrested on February 23 and formally charged the next day.
He was charged with malice murder, murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, obstructing a 911 call and concealing the death of another.