Testimony resumed on Monday in the trial of a man accused of murdering Laken Riley, a nursing student from Georgia, a case that has sparked significant discussion regarding immigration during this year’s presidential campaign.

Jose Ibarra, who allegedly entered the United States illegally two years prior, faces charges of murder and additional offenses related to Riley’s death in February. He has opted for a bench trial, meaning that it is up to Judge H. Patrick Haggard of the Athens-Clarke County Superior Court to determine the verdict instead of a jury.

The trial commenced on Friday, featuring testimonies from Riley’s roommates along with law enforcement officials. Prosecutor Sheila Ross utilized footage from security and doorbell cameras, along with data retrieved from Riley’s smartwatch and phone, to piece together the timeline of the 22-year-old’s last moments.

According to Ross in her opening statement, Ibarra confronted Riley while she was jogging on the University of Georgia campus, leading to a fatal struggle. Riley was pursuing her studies at Augusta University College of Nursing, which has a branch located in Athens, approximately 70 miles east of Atlanta.

In his initial remarks, defense attorney Dustin Kirby acknowledged the tragedy of Riley’s death and described the evidence presented as graphic and distressing. Nevertheless, he asserted that the evidence available does not convincingly prove that Ibarra was responsible for her murder.

The case has intensified discussions on a national scale regarding immigration policies, particularly after federal officials disclosed that Ibarra entered the country unlawfully in 2022 and was granted permission to remain while awaiting the outcome of his immigration proceedings.

Throughout the proceedings on both Friday and Monday, the courtroom was filled with Riley’s parents, roommates, and numerous friends and family members, indicating the profound impact of this case on the community.