Departure of Man Last Seen with Missing Student Joshua Riibe from…

Joshua Steven Riibe, last seen with missing student Sudiksha Konanki, has left the Dominican Republic after questioning about her disappearance. He was not considered a suspect, and her family believes she drowned. Extensive searches were conducted for her after she went missing on March 6.

Joshua Steven Riibe, the individual last seen with missing student Sudiksha Konanki, has departed the Dominican Republic following his questioning in relation to her disappearance. At 22 years old, Mr. Riibe left for the United States accompanied by his father; he was not identified as a suspect during these inquiries. Mrs. Konanki, a 20-year-old student who vanished on March 6 during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, is believed by her family to have drowned.

During a court proceeding in Higüey, Mr. Riibe indicated that he was held in the Dominican Republic for ten days. His legal representation noted that his passport was initially confiscated by the authorities, who later issued a new one when he applied for it at the U.S. Consulate. A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed that he has since left the country.

Sudiksha Konanki, from Loudoun County and a University of Pittsburgh student, arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3, staying at a resort with friends. On the night she disappeared, she was seen with Mr. Riibe near a beach. Local authorities conducted a comprehensive search for Ms. Konanki, employing various resources including drones and police dogs.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Thomas A. Julia stated that two detectives interviewed Mr. Riibe on March 13, asserting that he was cooperative during the process. He conveyed that Mr. Riibe attempted to assist Ms. Konanki while she was in the water, and her family has expressed their belief that he bears no responsibility for her disappearance.

In summary, Joshua Steven Riibe, the last known person with Sudiksha Konanki during her disappearance, has departed the Dominican Republic after lengthy questioning. While he was not deemed a suspect, Mr. Riibe stated he wanted to return home. Sudiksha’s family believes she drowned, and extensive search efforts were made by local officials following her disappearance.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com