“This murder was a violent, heinous act,” he said, “and it rests squarely on the shoulders of the perpetrator.” said Democratic Mayor Kelly Girtz, Atlanta/Clark County
The New York Times is reporting: “When 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley was found dead on a wooded trail at the University of Georgia in what’s believed to be the first homicide on campus in nearly 30 years, it set off waves of grief and fear that shook the university to its core.”
But when the 26 year old migrant from Venezuela, Jose Ibarra, was arrested and charged with her kidnapping and murder, the complicated politics of the Southern border and of Georgia came into focus. GOP Governor Kemp has said he himself will round up undocumented immigrants in his own truck.
In contrast, during an interview on Sunday, Kelly Girtz, the Democratic mayor of Athens-Clarke County, said that the conversation should be focused on mourning the victim, and blaming an individual rather than a group.
In a social media post on Monday, former President Donald J. Trump called the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, a “monster,” and blamed President Biden for an “invasion” that is “killing our citizens.” Earlier in the day, at an event at the university, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia decried “an unwillingness by this White House to secure the southern border.” A third Republican, Representative Mike Collins, who represents Athens, wrote on social media: “The blood of Laken Riley is on the hands of Joe Biden, Alejandro Mayorkas and the government of Athens-Clarke County,” referring to the unified city-county government.
The GOP is as per usual jumping on the blame train:
However, whether or not he was undocumented appears to be complicated bbnbited issue. . Per CBS: “The suspect, 26-year-old Jose Ibarra, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sept. 8, 2022, after he unlawfully entered the U.S. near El Paso, Texas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement. Ibarra was released by U.S. border officials pending a review of his immigration case, ICE said.
“Meanwhile, according to Atlanta’s TV2 the DA statffdsf ,“I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues from across Georgia who have supported our circuit during this tragic event at our flagship institution. We will not allow this or any other case to be used for political gain. Our top priority is the safety of every citizen, and we are fully committed to ensuring that justice is served for the loss of every life. Sheila Ross from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council (PAC) will return to the Western District. We welcome her back as a knowledgeable and well-respected trial attorney with the expertise ready to bring justice on behalf of Laken Riley. In preparation, this office and our law enforcement partners have maintained constant communication throughout the investigation. We will provide further updates once the case is turned over to our office. From day one, our office has worked diligently to keep this community safe from anyone who seeks to do it harm. This includes those who believe that violence is the answer. We will ensure that such individuals are brought to justice. Our hearts and our work are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. We will provide additional comments once more information becomes available.”
Background of the case: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/athens-da-bringing-top-trial-attorney-laken-rileys-murder-case-amid-criticism-lawyers/3QU4OLPLTJG3PFWKY7A52GQC74/