Authorities Identify Person of Interest in Case of Missing Virginia Student
Loudoun County authorities have named Joshua Riibe a person of interest in the case of missing student Sudiksha Konanki, while clarifying the investigation remains non-criminal. New security footage shows her last seen with friends at a beach in Punta Cana. The investigation is being treated as an accident, with drowning suspected to be involved.
Authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, have identified 24-year-old Joshua Riibe as a person of interest regarding the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a college student missing since last week in the Dominican Republic. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office clarified that this situation does not currently qualify as a criminal case, distinguishing it from other potential investigations.
Recent security footage published by Noticias SIN illustrates Konanki accompanied by friends walking toward the beach at a hotel in Punta Cana during the early hours of March 6. The footage captures her friends returning about an hour later, though Konanki and another male individual were absent from the recorded return.
According to reports, the man claims they were swimming when they were caught in a wave, leading him to fall asleep on the beach. Riibe has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and authorities in the Dominican Republic have not categorized him as a suspect. The investigation continues to focus on the missing person aspect rather than a criminal inquiry.
Konanki was vacationing in the Dominican Republic with friends from the University of Pittsburgh during spring break when she went missing. Sheriff Mike Chapman noted that during her disappearance, she was with acquaintances not from her traveling group, but rather individuals they had met there.
Sheriff Chapman has established communication with U.S. federal entities in the Dominican Republic, including the FBI, which is aiding local authorities. At this time, the investigation leans toward treating the case as an unfortunate accident, with drowning being considered a likely scenario for her disappearance.
In conclusion, the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki has raised significant concern, prompting the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office to identify a person of interest, Joshua Riibe. Authorities are treating the case as a missing person investigation rather than a criminal one, assisted by U.S. federal agencies on the ground. The focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, which is currently suspected to be accidental in nature.
Original Source: abc45.com
