Joshua Riibe, a key witness in the case of missing American college student Sudiksha Konanki, told Dominican Republic police that he and Konanki were swept away by a big wave while swimming on the beach outside the RIU Republica resort. Riibe completed a four-hour interview with authorities and answered over 50 questions about the events leading up to Konanki’s disappearance on March 6. Riibe is considered a witness in the case and not a person of interest or suspect. He claimed that he met Konanki on the night she disappeared and that they were both guests at the resort for spring break.
Riibe described how he and Konanki were walking to the beach, where she kissed him on the face before they entered the water. Despite a red-flag warning indicating unsafe swimming conditions, the pair went into the ocean while two of Konanki’s friends remained on shore. Riibe stated that a big wave hit them, dragging them further into the sea. He recounted how he struggled to rescue Konanki, a situation made more challenging due to his inability to breathe properly and swallow water. He eventually brought her to the shore, where she collected her belongings, and he assumed she left after he vomited seawater.
Riibe claimed that he had expected to meet Konanki the next day but never saw her again after he last saw her walking away in the water. He stated to police that he did not notify the authorities or the hotel about the incident as he thought Konanki had left. Riibe’s lack of engagement in the investigation, including his refusal to answer certain questions, has caused speculation. While the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated that Riibe is not a person of interest or suspect, they conducted an extensive interview to gather more information.
The disappearance of Konanki is still being treated as a missing person case, with no suspects identified. Hotel surveillance footage shows Konanki walking with a group of friends to the beach, followed by footage of her returning to the hotel with a different group of people. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Riibe’s family issued a statement requesting privacy and understanding during this challenging time. The case has raised concerns following the deaths of four tourists in January due to strong currents and rough seas near Punta Cana, indicating potential dangers in the area.
