Watch live | Jose Ibarra, accused killer in nursing student Laken Riley’s case, submits waiver of right to jury trial
Watch live | Jose Ibarra, accused killer in nursing student Laken Riley’s case, submits waiver of right to jury trial
A hearing began 10 a.m., just one day before jury selection was scheduled for the trial against Jose Ibarra.
ATHENS, Ga. — UPDATE: In court, attorneys for Jose Ibarra submitted a waiver of his right to a jury trial, which would if accepted result in a bench trial by the judge.
Jury selection had been originally scheduled to start tomorrow. After a brief court proceeding, attorneys and the judge went to his chambers and indicated they would discuss scheduling.
It’s currently unclear what kind of procedures will follow.
Court proceedings resume Tuesday in Athens for the suspect accused of killing 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley.
The hearing is set for 10 a.m., just one day before jury selection is scheduled for the trial against Jose Ibarra.
The session follows recent disputes between the prosecution and defense over evidence to be admitted at trial. On Friday, a judge denied defense motions to suppress DNA evidence, which includes cell phone data, fingerprints from Riley’s phone, and DNA collected from her fingernails.
RELATED: Judge denies motion to suppress evidence in trial against man accused of killing Laken Riley
11Alive plans to stream the hearing in the video player below around 10 a.m. on YouTube and 11Alive+, available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text “plus” to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream it now.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys argued their cases in a previous hearing, with the defense claiming that some of the data collection exceeded the warrant’s limits. However, the judge ruled the evidence would be allowed in the trial. Additionally, the defense’s request to relocate the trial outside of Athens was previously denied.
Jury selection is expected to begin Wednesday, with the trial anticipated to start next week.