The brother of the man accused of murdering a nursing student on the campus of the University of Georgia is to remain locked up pending trial, a judge ruled Thursday.
Diego Ibarra, the brother of Jose Ibarra, was arrested for possessing an illegal visa and prosecutors want him locked up before he can stand trial because of his long history of alleged criminal conduct. Police have said both men are in the country illegally.
In a court filing late Tuesday night, prosecutors said Ibarra had a lengthy history of run-ins with state and federal law enforcement and might’ve been a member of a violent Venezuelan gang.
Diego Ibarra was arrested on Feb. 22 for allegedly giving authorities a fake green card after he was stopped by police for matching a description of his brother. Jose Ibarra, 26, has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, obstructing an emergency call and concealing the death of another. He allegedly killed Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley when she was jogging on the University of Georgia campus on Feb. 22.
Diego Ibarra was allegedly employed by the University of Georgia food services staff, according to the court documents.
Diego Ibarra first allegedly entered the country illegally on April 3, 2023, and was immediately removed back to Mexico, according to court documents. The Justice Department said 27 days later he reentered and got into a scuffle with Border Patrol, allegedly assaulting and attempting to bite an agent who tried to arrest him.
This image included in the Motion For Detention filed by the Middle District of Georgia shows the suspect Diego Ibarra.
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
This image included in the Motion For Detention filed by the Middle District of Georgia shows the suspect’s ID, which, according to the court document, was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) agents on scene in Athens, Ga., who verified that it was counterfeit.
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
“The other agent attempted to take Ibarra into custody. Ibarra resisted the agent’s efforts and grabbed his CBP issued radio and threw it into a nearby yard. At one point, Ibarra attempted to bite the agent. The agents grappled with Ibarra and [another man] for approximately four minutes before members of the National Guard arrived and assisted the agents in subduing both men,” the DOJ wrote.
He allegedly told FBI agents he was trying to get into the country “at any cost.” He agreed to a plea deal and was released on an alternative to detention — in this case an ankle monitor. Authorities said he cut off the ankle monitor in Colorado.
Diego Ibarra also allegedly has gang ties, prosecutors said.
“Teen de Aragua (TdA) is a Venezuelan gang, which has been involved in recent violent confrontations with law enforcement and civilian victims in New York and elsewhere throughout the United States,” according to the Justice Department. “TdA was formed in the mid to late 2000s in the Tocorón prison in the Venezuelan state of Aragua. Multiple U.S. law enforcement agencies have reported a heavy presence of TdA members in several states, particularly Texas, New York, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia. TdA members often have tattoos signifying their affiliation with the gang. … Some of Ibarra’s tattoos suggest that he is a member of TdA.”
This image included in the Motion For Detention filed by the Middle District of Georgia shows the suspect Diego Ibarra.
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
There is also evidence he dressed in Chicago Bulls gear and posed with firearms — two hallmarks of gang activity, according to the DOJ.
Diego Ibarra also allegedly had a history with law enforcement in Athens, Georgia, where the UGA campus is located.
He was arrested for driving under the influence in September 2023, authorities said. Ibarra was also arrested twice for shoplifting — once in October 2023 and once in December 2023, according to the DOJ.
Lawyers for Diego Ibarra did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Diego Ibarra, the brother of the University of Georgia murder suspect, is set to continue being held in federal custody as the investigation into the tragic incident unfolds. The case has garnered national attention and raised questions about the role of family members in such crimes.
Ibarra was arrested on federal firearms charges in connection with the murder of Tate Prezzano, a student at the University of Georgia. Prezzano was found dead in his off-campus apartment, and authorities believe he was shot during a robbery gone wrong.
Ibarra’s brother, who has not been named by authorities, is the primary suspect in the murder case. He was arrested shortly after the incident and is facing charges of murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Diego Ibarra’s involvement in the case has raised concerns about his potential role in the crime. Authorities have not released specific details about his alleged involvement, but his arrest on federal firearms charges suggests that he may have played a significant role in the events leading up to Prezzano’s death.
Ibarra’s continued detention in federal custody indicates that authorities believe he poses a flight risk or a danger to the community. Federal prosecutors have argued that he should remain in custody pending further investigation and potential charges related to the murder case.
The case has sparked debate about the legal and ethical implications of holding family members accountable for crimes committed by their relatives. Some argue that family members should not be held responsible for the actions of their loved ones, while others believe that individuals who aid or abet criminal behavior should be held accountable.
As the investigation into the University of Georgia murder case continues, Diego Ibarra’s fate remains uncertain. It is unclear what role he may have played in the events leading up to Prezzano’s death, and whether he will face additional charges related to the case.
In the meantime, the University of Georgia community mourns the loss of Tate Prezzano and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
