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A new development has emerged in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, during a spring break trip. Authorities have named 24-year-old Joshua Riibe from Iowa as a person of interest. Konanki was last seen on Thursday (March 6) walking to the beach with Riibe and other friends at the RIU Republica Resort.
According to Gray News, Konanki's belongings, including her phone and wallet, were left with friends, which is unusual for her. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia is coordinating with federal organizations, including the FBI, as they continue to investigate the case. Sheriff Mike Chapman stated, "We’re going on the presumption that she’s still alive and want to make sure we’re exhausting every possible lead."
Surveillance footage obtained by FOX 5 DC shows Konanki and Riibe heading to the beach at 4:30 a.m. Her friends returned, but Konanki and Riibe stayed behind. Dominican authorities suspect that Konanki may have drowned, but there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.
As reported by WTAE, extensive search efforts are underway, involving drones, helicopters, and boats. The Dominican Republic Civil Defense and other agencies are actively searching the area. Riibe, who was vacationing separately, has been interviewed but is not considered a suspect.
Konanki's family has traveled to the Dominican Republic to aid in the search. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.
