ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia students are asking campus leaders to reinstall emergency blue lights on campus following the death of Laken Hope Riley, 22.
Riley was a University of Georgia student through Spring 2023 but transferred to the Augusta University nursing program. Riley was found dead on Feb. 22 near UGA's Intramural Fields after campus police were called by a concerned friend saying that she had not returned from her morning run, authorities said.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was arrested. He is facing malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another person charges.
Even following the arrest, UGA advertising student Anna McCarthey said she still has safety concerns.
"Even though they do have that person in custody, I still want to be more safe," McCarthy said.
McCarthy said she's considering a different route after what happened to Riley. She said she typically walks alone.
"I usually walk from North campus to my spot at the IM fields, which is actually right next to Lake Herrick where it happened," she said. "And I typically walk there, but I'm not sure I'll be doing that any time soon."
A community member who is close to the family released a statement on behalf of Riley's family Saturday, reflecting on her life.
"Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and overall person in general. Her love for the Lord was exemplified in every aspect of her life," the statement reads, in part. "She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way."
Friends have posted on social media sharing how much she will be missed.
"I feel really bad for the families affected," McCarthy said.
McCarthy said she'd support blue emergency lights returning to campus, as any step toward safety is better than nothing.
"I'd feel better if they were on campus, definitely," McCarthy said.
McCarthy said it isn't uncommon for ladies on and off campus to walk alone.
"There's so many people walking alone on campus and just in Downtown, in general," McCarthy said. "It always makes me a little iffy because -- I don't know. I just don't like watching young women like me walk alone at night."
The university made the decision in 2004 remove the call boxes because of widespread cell phone use. Instead, University Police promote using the UGA Safe App. It's free and allows users to share their locations and report information directly to campus police.
The petition is only a few thousand shy of its goal of 25,000.
As the case surrounding Riley's death is still under investigation, her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, plans to hold a vigil Monday at 3 p.m.
A self-defense class is already planned for Sunday, Mar. 3.