Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student, has been reported missing in the Dominican Republic. Last seen with St. Cloud State’s Joshua Riibe, authorities believe she may have drowned. Riibe is considered a person of interest, not a suspect, as the investigation continues with the FBI’s involvement.
Authorities have identified a St. Cloud State University student as a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student. Konanki, an Indian citizen and U.S. permanent resident, went missing while vacationing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, after leaving her hotel to visit the beach.
Security camera footage revealed Konanki walking to the beach with friends around 4 a.m. after a nightclub visit. However, two hours later, her friends returned without her. Investigators have identified Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old senior at St. Cloud State University majoring in land surveying, as the last person Konanki was seen with that night.
Riibe reported to authorities that he and Konanki entered the ocean and that he fell asleep on the beach. Upon awakening, he discovered Konanki was missing, and security footage confirms his return to the hotel around 9 a.m. Subsequently, Konanki’s clothing was located on a portable bed near the beach where she disappeared, although there is no indication of violence.
Dominican authorities suspect that Konanki may have drowned, leading to an ongoing investigation. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has asserted that there is no active criminal investigation against Riibe, emphasizing his status as a person of interest, not a suspect. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is coordinating with Dominican National Police in this case, with local law enforcement providing assistance.
Anyone with information regarding Sudiksha Konanki’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
In summary, Sudiksha Konanki has been reported missing in the Dominican Republic, and a St. Cloud State University student, Joshua Riibe, is recognized as a person of interest in the investigation. While authorities suspect a possible drowning, there is no evidence to indicate foul play at this time. The case remains active, with the FBI leading the investigation in conjunction with local authorities. Contributions from the public are sought to aid in locating the missing student.
Original Source: kstp.com
