The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared in Punta Cana, has entered its second week.
Konanki was on a spring break trip with friends when she vanished in the early hours of March 6. Authorities are now working around the clock to uncover what happened to her.
Last Seen Heading to the Beach
Originally from Chantilly, Virginia, Konanki was vacationing with five friends when she was last spotted on a hotel surveillance video. The footage shows her and a group of people, including Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old American student, heading towards the beach at around 4:15 a.m. near the Riu República hotel.
Later, other members of the group returned to the hotel, but Konanki and Riibe stayed behind. Riibe told authorities that a strong wave pulled them into the ocean, and though he managed to get out, he wasn’t sure if Konanki did. Investigators are now trying to determine if she drowned or if there was foul play involved.
Konanki’s Family Requests Closure
With little progress in the search, Konanki’s family has requested that she be declared deceased. In a statement, they thanked investigators for their efforts but expressed their need for closure. The request has been formally submitted to both U.S. and Dominican authorities.
Meanwhile, Riibe remains in the Dominican Republic for questioning. Authorities have confiscated his passport, and he is currently staying in a hotel under police supervision.
His family has raised concerns over the lack of legal representation during initial questioning but assured that he is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities Expand Search Efforts
Dominican officials, with assistance from the FBI and Interpol, have launched a massive land, air, and sea search for Konanki. More than 300 officers are involved, and a high-level investigation team has been assigned to the case.
“We are doing everything we can,” Dominican President Luis Abinader said, emphasizing that all agencies are working together to find out what happened.
What’s Next?
As the search continues, investigators are re-interviewing witnesses, including hotel staff, to reconstruct Konanki’s final known movements. The mystery surrounding her disappearance has left her family, friends, and loved ones anxiously waiting for answers.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities intensify their efforts to bring clarity to this heartbreaking case.
