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Search for Missing U.S. Student in Dominican Republic Intensifies as Legal Dispute Over Key Witness Unfolds

Joshua Riibe, the last known person to see Sudiksha Konanki, challenges his detention while authorities continue their investigation into her disappearance.

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Sudiksha Konanki disappearance: ‘Person of interest’ Joshua Riibe gives ultimatum to Dominican Republic cops (@avaaz_official/TikTok, Southeast technical college)
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Overview

  • Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, disappeared in Punta Cana on March 6, with no confirmed leads on her whereabouts.
  • Joshua Riibe, identified as a person of interest and the last known person to see Konanki, remains under police surveillance at his hotel without being charged.
  • Riibe has filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing his detention is unlawful under Dominican law, with a court hearing scheduled for March 18.
  • Authorities are investigating Konanki's disappearance as a possible drowning but have not ruled out foul play, with U.S. agencies assisting in the search.
  • Surveillance footage shows Konanki and Riibe together before her disappearance, but no evidence clarifies her fate after they were last seen on the beach.