Parents of Missing US Student in Dominican Republic Request Death Declaration
The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a U.S. student missing in the Dominican Republic, have requested officials to declare her dead after nearly two weeks of searching. She vanished on March 6 in Punta Cana, last seen with Joshua Riibe, who has been detained for questioning but is not considered a suspect. Riibe reported having tried to save her from drowning before she disappeared.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old U.S. student, was reported missing in the Dominican Republic after last being seen on March 6 while walking a beach in Punta Cana. Her parents have requested local authorities to declare her deceased following nearly two weeks of unsuccessful searching efforts, including aerial reconnaissance and marine patrols. Despite extensive investigation, no trace of her has been discovered, leading to the family’s difficult decision.
Konanki, originally from India, was vacationing during spring break and was last known to be with acquaintances she met on the island. Joshua Riibe, a fellow student from Minnesota, is the last person reported to have seen her. Although he has been detained for questioning, he has not been named as a suspect, as no individuals are currently considered implicated in her disappearance.
Riibe stated that he was with Konanki, engaging in activities in the ocean, when a sudden tide swept them away. He claimed to have rescued her and brought her back to shore, describing the chaotic situation. “I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didn’t allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water,” he recounted. His narrative adds a fragment of insight into their last moments together.
Following Konanki’s disappearance, Riibe’s parents expressed concerns regarding his detention, citing a lack of legal representation and adequate communication support. They allege that he has faced confinement under unusual conditions, further complicating the emotional turmoil surrounding this tragic case.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old U.S. student missing in the Dominican Republic, has turned distressing as her family seeks to have her declared deceased after extensive search efforts yielded no results. Her last moments were spent with Joshua Riibe, who has been detained but not charged. The incident raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of those involved in ongoing investigations.
Original Source: news.sky.com
