Parents of Missing College Student Request Formal Declaration of Death
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student who vanished during a Dominican Republic trip, is presumed dead as her parents request a formal declaration of death. The person of interest in her case, Joshua Riibe, has yet to be charged, and authorities continue to investigate all leads. The search for answers regarding her disappearance remains ongoing.
The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student who went missing during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic, have requested authorities to declare her dead. Authorities confirmed that Konanki was last seen on March 6 while walking along the beach at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana. Following her disappearance, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated that the family is seeking closure at this difficult time.
Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh junior from Loudoun County, was reportedly traveling with a group of female students. During the investigation, a person of interest, Joshua Riibe, 24, has emerged as he was seen with Konanki shortly before she vanished. Although Riibe is not facing any charges, he remains under scrutiny as the investigation proceeds.
On March 17, Dominican Republic National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira indicated that Konanki’s family submitted a letter requesting a formal declaration of death. Insiders reported that the family acknowledges the necessary legal processes while expressing their preparedness to follow required formalities. In their letter, they noted that “there is no suspicion of foul play” concerning their daughter’s presumed death.
As the investigation continues, the family has shown gratitude for the support from various agencies involved in the search. Additionally, a legal maneuver by Riibe’s attorneys, who filed a habeas corpus petition, suggests that he is being held without charges in relation to Konanki’s case. Dominican authorities reported that clothing belonging to Konanki was found on the beach, yet they did not disclose further details regarding this discovery.
CCTV footage identified Konanki with a group on the beach around 4:15 AM on March 6. Investigators believe she may have drowned when she was caught by a wave while swimming with the individual remaining with her. However, the Loudoun County authorities previously challenged this conclusion as speculative, and they have confirmed that there is no evidence to support the drowning claim at this time. The search for Konanki’s body continues in the Dominican Republic as local and U.S. law enforcement agencies collaborate in the investigation.
The tragic case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the concerns surrounding her mysterious disappearance during a trip to the Dominican Republic. The ongoing investigation includes the family’s request for a declaration of death, with the acknowledgment of no suspicion of foul play. As authorities pursue leads, the community remains hopeful for answers regarding her fate while emphasizing the importance of safety during travel. The collaboration between U.S. and Dominican law enforcement underscores the seriousness of the situation as they work together to gather more information.
Original Source: people.com
