Laken Riley's Last Ever Journal Entry Read Aloud in Court: 'I'm Thinking About You'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jose Ibarra (left); and Laken Riley.Photo:Robin Rayne/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock; Laken Riley/ Facebook

Robin Rayne/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock; Laken Riley/ Facebook

As thetrial of Laken Riley’s killer Jose Ibarrawrapped up, theslain Georgia nursing student’sfriends and family members shared powerful memories of her.

Ibarra was convicted of murder, kidnapping, assault with attempt to rape and hindering a 911 call, among 10 offenses, in an Athens County, Ga., court on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

He then offered the court a glimpse into the hopes and dreams Riley had for her future.

“I want you to know that I’m thinking about you, I’m working everyday to become the best wife I could be," Phillips read.

She wrote about “working through” her relationships to prepare for her future husband and children, according to Phillips’ testimony.

She dreamed of raising her future children as Christians in accordance with her own religious beliefs, Phillips said.

“I thank Him for you, before I even know you,” Riley reportedly wrote.

Laken Riley.Laken Riley/Facebook

Laken Riley/Facebook

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LIVE: GA v. Jose Ibarra, Murder of Laken Riley Trial - Day 4

Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, waskilled on Feb. 22 while out on a jogon the University of Georgia campus in Athens. She died from blunt force trauma, a coroner previously confirmed to PEOPLE.

source: people.com