A Father’s Reflection: Jason Riley on a Year Since His Daughter’s Tragic Death
January 22, 2024: Tragedy struck when 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley was brutally murdered while running on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus. Her father, Jason Riley, recently revealed the deep struggles he has faced in the year after her death.
“It’s been tough. A tough year,” Jason Riley wrote, underscoring the emotional toll the tragedy has extracted on him, as well as his family. He shared the excruciating experience of visiting the trial of Jose Ibarra, Laken’s murderer, saying it was “probably the hardest part.” The graphic evidence that was shown, especially the body-cam footage of the officer who first stumbled upon Laken’s lifeless body, was particularly upsetting. “Me and her mom walked out of the courthouse. We couldn’t see it,” he said.
Community Memorial: In Memory of Laken
To mark the one-year anniversary of Laken’s death, about a hundred people gathered at her sorority house in Athens. The event, called “Laken’s Miles” or the “22 for 22 Memorial”, focused on running, with participants walking or running for 22 minutes to honor her 22 years of life. The tribute, organized by the Laken Hope Foundation and hosted by Alpha Chi Omega, showcased the incredible impact Laken left in her community. “We come together today to continue that hope and to remember the light she brought to the world,” a sorority member said.
Legislative Changes: The Implementation of the ‘Laken Riley Act’
In the wake of Laken’s death, major legislative changes took place. A federal law signed earlier this year, named after her, has given federal immigration agencies expanded authority to detain migrants accused of crimes. This law has already been used; for instance, a prosecutor in Indiana invoked it to deport an undocumented immigrant after a fatal car crash.
Improvements to Campus Security at UGA
The tragedy also led to a series of significant security upgrades at the University of Georgia to help protect its students. These measures include:
- Emergency Call Boxes Installed: 23 units in remote areas, with an additional expansion planned.
- Increased Police Patrols: The university reported an increase in officers patrolling campus grounds for added security.
- Enhanced Lighting: Areas on campus that were found to be too dark are now fitted with better lighting for improved visibility and safety.
A Community Comes Together in Remembrance
While the grief was fresh last year, Laken’s family and friends say they are still mourning— but so much has changed in a year as they continue to honor Laken’s memory. Through advocacy, legislative change, and heartfelt tributes, Laken Riley’s story continues and will forever be a legacy of resilience and hope.
