March 20, 2025, marked a significant update in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during her spring break trip. Joshua Steven Riibe, 22, who was with her during the last moments before her disappearance, has left the Dominican Republic after being questioned multiple times regarding the incident. According to his lawyer, Riibe departed for the United States on Wednesday night with his father.
Konanki, 20, went missing on March 6, leading to extensive search efforts by Dominican authorities, who employed drones and helicopters among other resources, searching the beach and the surrounding areas near her hotel, the Hotel Riu Republica in Punta Cana. Her family suspects a tragic drowning may have occurred.
Riibe, a senior from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, was never considered a suspect according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, which has been assisting in the investigation. He was reportedly detained for ten days and had his passport confiscated while in the Dominican Republic. However, he managed to acquire a new passport through the U.S. Consulate, allowing him to exit the country.
After being interviewed by Loudoun County detectives, Riibe was described as cooperative, with information suggesting he attempted to help Konanki when she was last seen. Despite the circumstances, Konanki's parents expressed their belief that their daughter drowned and cleared Riibe of any wrongdoing.
The evolving nature of this case and the search for Sudiksha Konanki remain a top priority as local authorities continue their efforts to uncover further details surrounding her disappearance.
Konanki, 20, went missing on March 6, leading to extensive search efforts by Dominican authorities, who employed drones and helicopters among other resources, searching the beach and the surrounding areas near her hotel, the Hotel Riu Republica in Punta Cana. Her family suspects a tragic drowning may have occurred.
Riibe, a senior from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, was never considered a suspect according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, which has been assisting in the investigation. He was reportedly detained for ten days and had his passport confiscated while in the Dominican Republic. However, he managed to acquire a new passport through the U.S. Consulate, allowing him to exit the country.
After being interviewed by Loudoun County detectives, Riibe was described as cooperative, with information suggesting he attempted to help Konanki when she was last seen. Despite the circumstances, Konanki's parents expressed their belief that their daughter drowned and cleared Riibe of any wrongdoing.
The evolving nature of this case and the search for Sudiksha Konanki remain a top priority as local authorities continue their efforts to uncover further details surrounding her disappearance.
