A man charged in the killing of a Georgia nursing student faces hearing as trial looms

A supporter holds a sign with a photo of Laken Riley before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Rome Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

This story was updated at 7:22 p.m.

The man accused of killing a nursing student whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus appeared in court Friday for a motions hearing ahead of his scheduled trial next month.

Jose Ibarra is charged with murder and other crimes in the February killing of Laken Hope Riley. A 10-count indictment accuses Ibarra of hitting the 22-year-old Augusta University College of Nursing student in the head, asphyxiating her and pulling up her clothing with the intent to sexually assault her. Ibarra pleaded not guilty to the charges.