University of Georgia students hold vigil in honor of Laken Riley

(NewsNation) — Hundreds of University of Georgia students gathered Monday for an emotional candlelight vigil to honor the life of 22-year-old Laken Riley, who was killed Thursday while on a run near the campus.

Family and friends carried flowers and passed out red and green ribbons in remembrance of the late nursing student, holding each other up as they cried.

The event was entirely student-run and planned by the university’s Greek life. The president of Riley’s former sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, gave a heart wrenching tribute.

“Laken showed devotion with every aspect of her life,” said Chloe Mullis, president of the UGA chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. “Doing things halfway just wasn’t an option. We lost one of the brightest lights that has ever been.”

Members of Alpha Chi Omega held carnations, a symbol of the sorority.

Riley was killed while on a run near the UGA campus fields. Her suspected killer, Jose Ibarra, 26, was denied bond and remains in police custody. The arrest of Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, has raised concern over the state of the U.S. border security and immigration policies.

Ibarra has been charged with multiple felonies and is awaiting his next court hearing, which is expected to be sometime later this week.

Preliminary autopsy reports say Riley died of blunt force trauma, but further details on how the 22-year-old died won’t be available until the full toxicology and autopsy results are completed. However, court documents allege Ibarra used an object as a weapon in the crime, and he’s also accused of “disfiguring her skull,” according to newly filed arrest affidavits.

Ibarra is also accused of dragging Riley to a secluded area, according to one of the affidavits obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. The allegation that he dragged Riley’s body was filed to support the charge of concealing the death of another person.

Authorities have not said exactly how Riley was killed, only that her death was caused by blunt force trauma. Further details about the type of object used, or exactly how she was killed, are not included in the affidavits for arrest.

The university returned to class Monday, trying to get back to normal operations following Riley’s death.

The 22-year-old had been a student at UGA until last spring when she transferred to Augusta University, but she remained close with her sorority sisters.

According to family and friends, Riley loved to run. She ran every day and dreamed of becoming a nurse. The 22-year-old was also very active in her church.

A family friend of Riley’s described her as “sweet and kind,” saying she had the best southern manners and always had a smile on her face.

Riley’s family spoke out for the first time since her death, posting a statement to the GoFundMe that was set up in her honor — which has already raised over $132,000.

“Every single dollar donated will go toward starting the Laken Hope Riley Foundation and will be used to drive homicide awareness and safety for women,” John Phillips, a beneficiary for the Riley family, said.

In a statement to NewsNation, the Woodstock City Church said:

“We are devasted by the news of the tragic death of Laken Riley. Laken’s family are active members of our church community. Our prayers are with them, as is our support to walk alongside them through this difficult time.”

A funeral service for Riley has been set for March 1 in her hometown of Woodstock.