Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, went missing while on spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The last known person to see her alive was Joshua Riibe, who has been cooperating with the investigation. Konanki’s parents have requested a declaration of death from the Dominican police, based on the belief that she drowned. Riibe is considered a crucial witness in the case and has been under surveillance at the resort since Konanki disappeared.
According to a leaked transcript of an interview with police, Riibe stated that he last saw Konanki on the beach after they were both pulled offshore in a strong current. He claimed that after struggling back to land, he saw her walking away in knee-deep water before vomiting and falling asleep on a chair. Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University, has not been accused of any crime, but authorities have confiscated his passport while investigating his version of events.
Konanki’s family has decided to request a declaration of death to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence. They thanked supporters for the international search effort and expressed hope that this step will bring some closure and allow them to honor their daughter’s memory. Riibe’s family has called his continued presence in the Dominican Republic “irregular” and has filed a writ of habeas corpus challenging his de facto detention in the country.
The Konanki family has accepted the story provided by Riibe and have expressed willingness to move forward based on the belief that their daughter drowned. They stated that Sudiksha’s clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen and that no evidence of foul play has been found. Riibe’s attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus on his behalf in an attempt to challenge his detention in the country. A hearing on the petition is expected to be held, but the timing may change.
The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki has raised concerns among the spring break community and has shed light on safety measures at resorts in Punta Cana. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, and Riibe’s cooperation has been crucial in providing details on the events leading to Konanki’s disappearance. The Konanki family has expressed gratitude for the support received during the search effort and is hopeful that the declaration of death will help them find closure and remember their daughter.
