MSNBC found itself in hot water this week after publishing a headline that appeared to paint convicted murderer Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant, as a victim in his trial for the brutal killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. The original headline of the piece, written by legal analyst Danny Cevallos, read: “Laken Riley’s Killer Never Stood a Chance.” The article itself examined the legal strategy behind Ibarra’s decision to opt for a bench trial instead of a jury trial, ultimately resulting in his conviction on all counts and a sentence of life without parole.
The phrasing of the headline immediately sparked outrage online, with critics accusing MSNBC of sympathy for Ibarra while ignoring the true victim, Laken Riley. Communications strategist Steve Guest tweeted, “Ask yourself: Why is MSNBC writing sympathetic headlines for an illegal alien monster and killer? Why is MSNBC’s ‘legal analyst’ Danny Cevallos ok with this headline?”
An actual headline from MSNBC: “Laken Riley’s killer never stood a chance”
Ask yourself: Why is MSNBC writing sympathetic headlines for an illegal alien monster and killer?
Why is MSNBC’s “legal analyst” Danny Cevallos ok with this headline? https://t.co/hSfaMIUxqW pic.twitter.com/8YLarS5ba5
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 22, 2024
Others echoed the sentiment, pointing out the insensitivity of the headline in light of the tragic crime. Adam Johnston responded, “Jose Ibarra never stood a chance? No. Laken Riley never stood a chance against this monster. Absolutely sickening.” AG Hamilton added, “You know who never stood a chance? Laken Riley. The actual victim.”
Even Donald Trump Jr. weighed in, writing, “These people are sick. The guy is a murderer. He’s an illegal alien that killed an innocent young woman, but MSNBC would rather go to bat for him. However much you hate MSNBC, it’s not enough!”
You know who never stood a chance?
Laken Riley. The actual victim. pic.twitter.com/XzRfu5THS5
— AG (@AGHamilton29) November 22, 2024
Facing backlash, MSNBC quietly edited the headline without issuing a public explanation. The revised title removed the contentious wording, but the damage had already been done. Critics viewed the original headline as indicative of a larger trend in media bias, where narratives appear to prioritize the perspective of perpetrators over victims, particularly in politically sensitive cases involving immigration.
The crime itself was harrowing. Jose Ibarra, a man living in the U.S. illegally, was convicted of murdering Riley, a nursing student with a promising future. The trial culminated in a life sentence without parole, a verdict that offered some solace to Riley’s grieving family but reignited debates about illegal immigration and the media’s role in framing such cases.
Look at how @MSNBC framed the conviction and sentencing of Laken Riley’s killer.
Jose Ibarra never stood a chance?
No. Laken Riley never stood a chance against this monster.
Absolutely sickening. pic.twitter.com/KAjlfNMgM3
— Adam Johnston (@ConquestTheory) November 22, 2024
