Hey everyone the story about Sudiksha Konanki the University of Pittsburgh student who went missing in the Dominican Republic has taken another turn. Joshua Riibe the American college student who was last with her is finally back home in the United States. But the questions around Konanki's disappearance are still hanging in the air. Let's break down what we know.
After Days of Uncertainty Joshua Riibe Lands Back on US Soil Passport Issues and Relief
It has been a stressful time for Joshua Riibe. For days it was unclear if he would be allowed to leave the Dominican Republic even though authorities said he was not a suspect in Konanki's disappearance. His passport was held and he was under police monitoring stuck in Punta Cana.
But finally there is some movement. Riibe was issued a new passport at the U.S. Consulate. Then on Wednesday March 19 he and his father boarded a plane and headed back to the US. NBC News actually saw Riibe at the airport in Santo Domingo before he left confirming his departure.
Even getting home wasn't completely smooth. Reports say Riibe was briefly held up in Puerto Rico during a stopover. Apparently his new passport didn't have the correct stamp. His dad Albert Riibe understandably frustrated told reporters to "leave us alone" at the airport after more delays.
Despite the hiccups Joshua Riibe is now back in the US. His lawyers confirmed he and his father are home safe. This ends a period of intense scrutiny and uncertainty for Riibe who maintained he was only a witness in this sad situation.
Person of Interest No More: Riibe Cleared in Dominican Republic Investigation But Questions Linger
From the start Dominican Republic police had called Riibe a "person of interest" in Konanki's disappearance. This happened after the 20-year-old went missing on March 6. However they've since clarified that they do not suspect foul play and believe Konanki drowned.
A judge ruled on March 18 that Riibe was no longer under police watch and was free to go. He testified in court saying he really wanted to go home and be with his family after being in the Dominican Republic for 10 days. The US State Department also stepped in to help Riibe get his travel documents sorted.
Konanki's parents Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki have also publicly stated they do not believe Riibe is responsible for their daughter's death. In a letter to Dominican authorities they requested a death declaration for Sudiksha saying "no evidence of foul play has been found". They stated they believe she drowned due to rough ocean currents.
What Happened on the Beach? Riibe's Account of the Events Leading to Konanki's Disappearance
Joshua Riibe has given his account of what happened the morning Konanki disappeared. According to a transcript of his interview with Dominican investigators Riibe and Konanki were together on the beach early on March 6.
Riibe said they were in waist-deep water talking and "kissing a little" when a strong wave crashed over them pulling them both out to sea. He told police he helped Konanki back towards the beach last seeing her walking in knee-deep water before he himself fell asleep on a beach chair exhausted.
He woke up later couldn't find Konanki and assumed she had gone back to her room. It was only later when her friends realized she was missing that alarm bells started ringing.
Hotel officials confirmed red flags were up on the beach that morning indicating dangerous currents and high waves. Police stated they found no signs of violence on the beach supporting the theory of an accidental drowning.
Parents Come to Terms with Tragedy Request Death Declaration for Sudiksha Konanki
Sudiksha Konanki's parents have heartbreakingly shared they are now accepting the likelihood that their daughter drowned. Her father Subbarayudu Konanki tearfully told reporters "We are coming to terms with the fact that our daughter has drowned. This is incredibly difficult for us to process.”
They have requested Dominican authorities declare Sudiksha deceased to bring some closure to this devastating situation. They explained that both US and Dominican authorities have shown them information about the dangerous ocean conditions at the time she went missing leading them to this conclusion.
While a body has not been recovered and Dominican Republic officials typically require a body or evidence of a crime to declare someone deceased it is hoped that authorities will consider the parents' wishes and the circumstances of Konanki's disappearance to grant their request.
Key Events in the Sudiksha Konanki Disappearance Case:
- March 3: Sudiksha Konanki arrives in Punta Cana for spring break with five friends.
- March 6 (Early Morning): Konanki and Joshua Riibe are last seen together on the beach. Riibe reports a wave separated them and he last saw her walking towards the beach.
- March 6 (Later): Konanki's friends realize she is missing and report it.
- March 6-March 18: Joshua Riibe is questioned by Dominican authorities and prevented from leaving the country passport confiscated.
- March 18: Judge rules Riibe is not a person of interest and can leave the Dominican Republic.
- March 19: Riibe obtains a new passport with US Embassy assistance. Prosecutors offer to return original passport but Riibe opts for new one.
- March 19: Joshua Riibe and his father depart from Dominican Republic return to US. Brief delay in Puerto Rico due to passport issue.
- March 19: Konanki's parents publicly state they believe their daughter drowned and request authorities declare her deceased.
A Sad End but Search for Answers Continues for Konanki Family and Community
The return of Joshua Riibe to the US marks a chapter closing in this part of the Sudiksha Konanki case. However for Konanki's family the pain and uncertainty remain. While they are coming to terms with the likelihood of a tragic drowning the formal declaration and the full closure they seek is still pending.
This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved and our thoughts are with Sudiksha Konanki's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. The search for definitive answers and peace for her loved ones continues.