Who is the Georgia judge who will decide fate of migrant accused of killing Laken Riley?

The upcoming trial of an undocumented migrant accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley will be presided over by State Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard. Haggard, known for his firm demeanor, was appointed in 2011 and has handled high-profile cases, including the death-penalty trial of a cop killer who questioned Haggard's impartiality due to his father's murder.

The defendant, Jose Antonio Ibarra, waived his right to a jury trial, opting for a bench trial where evidence will be presented solely to the judge. The decision followed the denial of a pretrial motion to suppress some evidence. Prosecutors aim for a life sentence without parole if Ibarra is convicted. The case, intertwined with national debates on immigration, sees both political sides engaging in discussions.

The incident transpired in Athens, where Riley was killed during a run. Ibarra was implicated through security footage and physical evidence. He was arrested the following day and charged with multiple counts related to Riley's death. The trial will scrutinize Ibarra's actions, described as a 'crime of opportunity,' and is expected to draw significant attention due to its political and racial undertones.