Wife of Laken Riley Murder Suspect Pleaded for Answers During Jail Call: ‘What Happened with the Girl?’

Mar. 15, 2025

Laken Riley.Photo:Laken Riley/ Facebook

Laken Riley/ Facebook

The wife of the man suspected of killingGeorgia college student Laken Rileyreportedly pleaded with him for answers during a jailhouse call in May, a court has heard.

Jose Ibarra, who was charged with murder among other offenses in the February killing of Riley, 22, in Athens, Ga., sat through hissecond day in trialin an Athens County court on Monday, Nov. 18.

Among several forensic evidence and witness testimonies, prosecutors presented the recording of a call between Ibarra and his wife, Layling Franco, who is heard pressing him for answers during a phone call in May,Atlanta News First,NBC NewsandCBS Newsreported.

During the call, Franco reportedly appeared agitated, raising her voice at Ibarra, per NBC News.

Ibarra, 26, responded with the same answer repeatedly: “Layling, enough!”

Franco also expressed her horror at the forensic evidence found at the scene and Ibarra’s conduct.

“She said that she thinks it’s crazy that they don’t have anyone else’s DNA, they only have his," FBI specialist Abeisis Ramirez, who translated the call from Spanish, told the court, per NBC News.

“…and she says she doesn’t understand how someone can see someone dying and not call 911,” Ramirez said of Franco’s call.

Jose Antonio Ibarra.Clarke County Sheriff’s Office

Clarke County Sheriff’s Office

Rileydisappeared while out on a jogon the University of Georgia campus on Feb. 22, officials said at the time. Her body was found later the same day; a coroner ruled she died from blunt force trauma.

Ibarra was arrested shortly afterward and charged with “physically” hindering Riley from making a 911 call, per the affidavit, which further states he also allegedly dragged her body to a secluded area.

Laken Hope Riley.Laken Riley/Facebook

Laken Riley/Facebook

Monday’s testimonies marked thesecond day of a trialalready emotional for Riley’s friends and families, who have sat through recordings of her 911 call as well as stories of Ibarra’slack of concern or remorsefollowing his arrest.

The prosecution is expected to rest their case on Tuesday, CNN reported.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.

source: people.com