In the nine months since Laken Riley was killed while jogging at the University of Georgia, her death turned into a lightning rod over crime and illegal immigration and cast an ominous shadow over the college town of Athens.

Opening arguments and testimony began Friday in the trial of Jose Ibarra, for the murder of Laken Riley, before Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard, after Ibarra waived his right

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, is charged with murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, battery and tampering with evidence. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors have said they won’t pursue the death penalty.