Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – The investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old American college student Sudiksha Konanki took another turn as a key witness, Joshua Riibe, departed the Dominican Republic.
Sources confirm that Riibe, 22, left the country on Wednesday, boarding a JetBlue flight from Santo Domingo to San Juan, Puerto Rico. His departure follows a legal ruling that lifted restrictions on his movement.
Riibe had been under police monitoring for 11 days at the Riu Republica resort, the last place Konanki was seen before vanishing in the early hours of March 6. However, a Dominican judge recently ruled that detaining him in the hotel was unlawful, allowing him to leave freely.
His attorneys stated that while he had the option to reclaim his passport, he instead opted to apply for a new one at the U.S. Consulate for privacy reasons.
Last Known Moments Before Konanki’s Disappearance
According to surveillance footage, Konanki and Riibe were among a group that went to the beach around 4:15 a.m. Most of the group left by 6 a.m., but Konanki and Riibe remained behind. Hours later, Riibe returned alone, and Konanki has not been seen since.
In his statement to police, Riibe recounted that he and Konanki were caught in a strong current while swimming. He managed to make it back to shore, but she remained in the water. He recalled last seeing her standing in knee-deep waves before he vomited and passed out on a beach chair.
Legal Battle Over Riibe’s Detention
Riibe’s attorneys successfully argued that as a witness, not a suspect, his prolonged police detention was a violation of Dominican law. The judge’s decision on March 18 allowed him to move freely, though his passport and cellphone had been confiscated. His legal team later attempted to retrieve these belongings but faced administrative hurdles.
Before leaving the country, Riibe testified in court, expressing his frustration. “Ever since my passport was taken, it’s very rare that I’m alone,” he said. “I can’t go anywhere. I really want to be home. Hug my family and friends.”
Konanki’s Family Seeks Closure
With nearly two weeks gone since Konanki disappeared, her family has urged Dominican authorities to officially declare her deceased. In a letter, they cited the lack of evidence pointing to foul play and Riibe’s full cooperation with investigators. However, officials have yet to reach a conclusion.
As the case unfolds, many questions remain unanswered. Investigators continue to search for clues, while Konanki’s loved ones hold onto hope for definitive answers. Meanwhile, Riibe and his father are now back in the United States, leaving behind a case that remains shrouded in mystery.
