NBC News reported: "The man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley was found guilty of murder Wednesday in a case that became a flashpoint in the immigration debate earlier this year ahead of the presidential election. 

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was convicted on three counts of felony murder and counts of malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape and "peeping Tom." He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The decision was handed down by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard on the fourth day of a bench trial. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial and did not testify in his own defense. Haggard delivered the verdict after taking a 20 minute break following closing arguments. Sobbing could be heard in the courtroom as he spoke.

Prosecutors said Ibarra accosted Riley while she was out for a run on the morning of Feb. 22. She was found dead in a forested area off the University of Georgia campus in Athens after her roommates called police when she did not return home.

Riley’s killing drew national attention to the immigration debate after officials announced that Ibarra is a Venezuelan citizen who entered the United States illegally in 2022. Donald Trump and other Republicans met with Riley’s parents before a campaign rally in March and have used the case to call for stricter border policies.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Ibarra killed Riley after she fought off his attempt to rape her. The prosecution pointed to DNA and other evidence that they said linked Ibarra to Riley on the day of her murder.

In closing arguments Wednesday, prosecutor Sheila Ross told the judge that Riley "herself has given you all the evidence you need alone to find this man guilty of every single count in this indictment."

Ross said Riley fought her attacker and "It is a direct result of that fight that gives you all the physical evidence you need to convict."

For the full read, visit NBC News.