SafeD Athens Statement on Ibarra Verdict
Today, justice was served for Laken and her family with the guilty verdict and maximum sentencing in the trial of Jose Ibarra. We extend our deepest sympathies to Laken’s loved ones and express our gratitude to Judge H. Patrick Haggard for his swift and decisive handling of this case. We also honor the extraordinary courage of the witnesses who bravely came forward and the tireless efforts of State Prosecutor Sheila Ross, whose dedication ensured justice was achieved.
This tragedy has profoundly impacted not only Laken’s family but also her friends, roommates, law enforcement officers, and the broader UGA and Athens communities. As we process the heartbreak of this crime, it is a time for collective healing and reflection.
The verdict also highlights the pressing need to address systemic security gaps on campus and in the Athens community. This crime underscores the critical role of both infrastructure and policies and procedures in ensuring safety. While UGA police were investigating a "Peeping Tom" call approximately 1,000 feet from where Laken was murdered, her 911 call was allegedly hung up by Jose Ibarra. Dispatch tried to call back twice (from trial) but there was no answer. The 911 center’s policy is to not dispatch 911 hang ups from cell phones. This highlights a fundamental issue: safety and security measures are only as effective as the policies governing their use. Alongside an independent security assessment to evaluate infrastructure gaps, we call for a comprehensive policies and procedures evaluation to identify and correct weaknesses in emergency response protocols.
Additionally, it is past time for UGA to integrate its campus security cameras with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department's (RTCC) Real-Time Crime Center. A unified approach to monitoring and response would dramatically enhance safety. Furthermore, the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) must no longer be ignored. Enhanced lighting, strategically placed cameras, and secure pedestrian pathways are vital steps in safeguarding students and residents alike.
We also urge the immediate implementation of the Block by Block Safety and Outreach Ambassador Program to place extra eyes and ears in critical areas such as trails and green spaces. This proactive measure, recommended to the Georgia Board of Regents, University of Georgia, and Athens-Clarke County, GA Unified Government in January 2023 and 2024 respectively, would strengthen safety where it is most needed.
SafeD Athens and UGA Parents for Safety and Security remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for improved safety infrastructure and comprehensive policy reforms. Together, we can honor Laken’s memory by creating the change needed to protect future generations.
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Links for reference:
https://www.safedathens.org/blockbyblockproposalforuga
https://www.safedathens.org/uga-parent-letter
https://www.safedathens.org/blockbyblockslideshow
http://change.org/safedathens/
https://www.safedathens.org/lakentimeline
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