Joshua Riibe, a Minnesota college senior, has been named a ‘person of interest’ in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student missing in Punta Cana. While he is not a suspect, law enforcement believes he may have been among the last to see her. Konanki’s family has requested privacy amid their distress as investigations continue with assistance from the FBI.
Family members of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old who went missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, expressed profound sorrow as a Minnesota college senior, Joshua Riibe, is identified as a “person of interest” in her disappearance. Riibe, 22, from Rock Rapids, Iowa, is a student at St. Cloud State University and was recently enrolled in 2023, majoring in land surveying and mapping sciences.
Law enforcement officials clarified that Riibe is not currently considered a suspect, emphasizing that he might have been the last to see Konanki before she went missing on March 6. Chad Quinn from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office noted, “we consider [Riibe] a person of interest for the purposes of this missing person investigation due to his potential last contact with the missing person.”
The investigation has prompted Dominican police to re-interview individuals who were with Konanki prior to her disappearance at the Hotel Riu República. The FBI is also involved in the case, and a hotel representative mentioned that the incident coincided with a power outage, leading guests to congregate at the beach.
Konanki’s family flew to the Dominican Republic following her disappearance and have urged officials for an expanded investigation. Her father noted that she traveled with a group of five fellow students on March 3, while Riibe was reportedly not part of her traveling companions.
An aunt of Riibe, Theresa Riibe, expressed the family’s difficulty, stating, “Our family is going through a very difficult time right now, and we’re experiencing a lot of sadness and pain. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this challenging moment together.”
The case surrounding Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance during a spring break trip has drawn attention due to the involvement of Joshua Riibe, a college student who is identified as a person of interest, albeit not a suspect. With ongoing investigations by law enforcement and the FBI, the family is enduring a challenging period, emphasizing the need for privacy as they cope with this distressing situation. As details unfold, the investigation aims to find clarity regarding Konanki’s whereabouts.
Original Source: www.startribune.com
