Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud University in Minnesota and believed to be the last person to see missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, departed the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. His lawyers confirmed that after a five-hour trial, Judge Edwin Rijo ruled Riibe should have full rights under Dominican law and unrestricted freedom of movement.
- Joshua Riibe last saw Sudiksha Konanki.
- Dominican judge grants Riibe freedom of movement.
- Riibe opted for a new passport for privacy.
- Sudiksha's parents seek legal declaration of death.
- Authorities believe Konanki likely drowned.
- Sudiksha traveled to the Dominican Republic for spring break.
Riibe had been detained by local police but was released on Tuesday after the judge determined he could cooperate with authorities without remaining in custody. He has not been named as a suspect in Konanki’s disappearance. The 20-year-old student went missing on March 6 while vacationing with friends in the Caribbean nation.
During an interview with prosecutors, Riibe stated that he and Konanki were drinking on the beach and became caught in a current while swimming. He reported assisting her back to shore but later lost sight of her when she went to retrieve her belongings. Following an extensive search operation, local authorities believe she drowned.
- Sudiksha Konanki was born in India and became a U.S. permanent resident.
- The family has requested that Dominican authorities declare her legally dead.
- The sheriff of Loudoun County expressed support for the family during this difficult time.
As investigations continue into Konanki’s disappearance, her parents have taken steps toward closure by initiating legal proceedings regarding their daughter’s status. They hope this will allow them to begin their grieving process and honor her memory properly.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with disappearances abroad and underscores the importance of cooperation between international authorities during such incidents.
