WATCH: Hundreds Of College Students Gather For Laken Riley Vigil Following Brutal Murder By Illegal Migrant

On Monday, students at the University of Georiga held a vigil in honor of 22-year-old Laken Riley following her murder by an illegal immigrant last week. The vigil was organized by two Greek organizations, Alpha Chi Omega, and Kappa Sigma, in Tate Plaza to honor the young college nursing student as well as another student who committed suicide last week.

Riley, who was described as a "shining light," was found dead on the University of Georgia's campus on Thursday. One of the young woman's friends reported her missing after she did not come back from a jog near the school's intramural fields. Authorities eventually found Riley without a pulse. They attempted CPR but were unable to resuscitate her. The young nursing student had "visible injuries" that led to the authorities suspecting foul play and launching an investigation, eventually settling on 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra as the main suspect. It was later revealed that Riley was beaten to death with an object that led to "seriously disfiguring her body … by disfiguring her skull." Following the beating, Ibarra then dragged her body to a secluded area.

During a press conference, UGA Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark explained that Ibarra is not a citizen of the United States and that he potentially is from Venezuela. He has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another, as previously reported by the DC Enquirer. Authorities in New York previously had custody of Ibarra for endangering a minor. Still, the NYPD released him onto the streets before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could issue a detainer.

While Ibarra took Riley from this world, she was remembered by many of her fellow students during the vigil. "We have no clue why things like this happen. I'm the first to question why. I've chosen to change my view of this and to know that we were given these people during this time for a reason," one student speaker said, per WRDW. "Although we both mourn for more time with Wyatt and Laken, we find peace in the light they brought into our lives. Wyatt — a good friend and brother. Laken — a caring and driven sister who taught us what a true friend is."

Sophomore Macon Dudley told the outlet that the streets on campus have been quiet following the murder. "The streets are quiet around campus, and no one is out. Typically, you will hear chattering and laughing, but that's not the vibe right now," the student explained. "Everyone went home. Whenever I came back, no one was there at my sorority house. The parking lot was half full, and people aren't even coming back until today."

Thousands gathered at a vigil for Laken Riley and Wyatt Banks at UGA’s Tate Plaza#LakenRiley #LakenHopeRiley #WyattBanks pic.twitter.com/4O5145SHEl

— Crime With Bobby (@crimewithbobby) February 26, 2024

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