Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who vanished during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic, is now believed to have drowned, as authorities conclude a thorough search. Joshua Steven Riibe, who accompanied her, left the country following questioning, with both her family and law enforcement indicating no wrongdoing on his part.
Missing Student Case: Last Seen Individual Departs Dominican Republic
Missing Student Case: Last Seen Individual Departs Dominican Republic
Joshua Steven Riibe, the last person spotted with missing student Sudiksha Konanki, has returned to the U.S. after intense questioning concerning her disappearance.
The man last seen with Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student who disappeared while on spring break in the Dominican Republic, has left for the United States after extensive questioning about her case. Joshua Steven Riibe, 22, departed the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night, accompanied by his father, according to his legal representation, Guzmán Ariza.
Ms. Konanki went missing on March 6 during a vacation in Punta Cana. Recently, her parents expressed concerns that she might have drowned after not hearing from her.
Riibe was not regarded as a suspect by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, which assisted in the investigation. He is a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and originates from Rock Rapids, Iowa. Reports from the local newspaper El Caribe indicate that Riibe was held in the Dominican Republic for ten days prior to his departure.
According to Guzmán Ariza, authorities had confiscated Riibe's passport during the investigation, but he successfully applied for a new one at the United States Consulate. A spokesperson from the State Department confirmed his exit from the country.
Sudiksha Konanki, who was staying at the Hotel Riu Republica with friends since March 3, was seen with Riibe near a beach in the early hours of March 6, prompting authorities to focus their search efforts in that area.
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Thomas A. Julia stated that detectives from Virginia had interviewed Riibe on March 13 and noted that he was cooperative throughout the process. Efforts at locating Ms. Konanki included a comprehensive search using drones, helicopters, police dogs, divers, and boats.
Her family indicated that they believe she may have drowned, asserting their trust in Riibe and dismissing claims of wrongdoing. The case highlights the urgent need to ensure student safety while traveling abroad, especially during popular vacation periods.
