Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old university student from Minnesota, has been identified as the last person seen with Sudiksha Konanki, who disappeared on March 6 in the Dominican Republic. Riibe’s passport has been seized by authorities, and he is currently under police supervision at the Riu Republica hotel in Punta Cana.
Konanki, a biology student from Loudoun County, Virginia, was last seen leaving a building with Riibe, as captured in surveillance footage. Riibe has not been charged with any crime but has been labeled a "person of interest" in the ongoing investigation. His family stated that he is being kept under police escort and is not free to leave the hotel.
In an interview with authorities, Riibe described spending time with Konanki on the beach before her disappearance. He mentioned they were in the water when a large wave swept them both out to sea. Riibe, a former lifeguard, claimed he was able to return to shore but lost sight of Konanki after he began to vomit seawater. He assumed she had left the beach.
Riibe’s family expressed deep concern over his treatment, stating he has been interrogated multiple times since the incident. They emphasized his cooperation with the investigation and described him as a kind and dedicated person. They have sought legal counsel to ensure his rights are protected during this process.
Dominican authorities are treating Konanki’s disappearance as an accident, based on Riibe’s account of the wave incident. President Luis Abinader assured the public that safety measures for tourists in the country are robust, noting that millions visit each year without significant issues.
The Riu Hotels chain, where the incident occurred, stated they are working closely with local authorities to assist in the search for Konanki. They expressed sympathy for her family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, Riibe remains under police surveillance, and both families hope for clarity and resolution in this troubling situation.