Key Witness in Missing Student Case Takes Legal Action in Dominican Republic

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – A Dominican Republic judge ruled on Tuesday evening in favor of Joshua Riibe, a key witness in the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, who went missing during a swim on March 6. Riibe’s writ of habeas corpus challenges his ongoing detention status in connection with the case.

Riibe, a 22-year-old from Iowa, appeared in court accompanied by his father, Albert. His lawyers argued that although his passport was confiscated, he had not been detained in the formal sense and maintained the right to move freely within the RIU Republica resort where he was staying. They stated that Riibe has been permitted, despite police presence, to walk around the property without restrictions.

“I understand there is an investigation, and I’ve cooperated, but haven’t been allowed to leave,” Riibe reportedly told the court. His next hearing is scheduled for March 28, where he anticipates a discussion about the status of his passport.

Prosecutors assert that Riibe lost his passport, while his attorneys claim it was taken by authorities. Tensions escalated during the court session, as legal representatives from both sides exchanged heated criticisms, particularly concerning his ongoing surveillance by police.

Riibe, who maintains he is a witness and not a suspect, described his experience since Konanki’s disappearance. “Ever since my passport was taken, it’s very rare I’m alone,” Riibe said. He recounted subsequent incidents where police accompanied him during meals and monitored his movements closely.

Konanki, 20, originally from Virginia, was last seen on March 6 after swimming at a beach with a group of friends. Initially, six of her companions returned to their hotel while she stayed back with Riibe. Investigators believe the two went swimming after a night of drinking and were hit by a wave that potentially led to her disappearance.

“I tried to make sure she could breathe the entire time,” Riibe recalled about their encounter. He described a painful moment where he lost sight of her after vomiting seawater. “After that, I looked around and didn’t see anyone,” he said. The last image of Riibe was captured by hotel surveillance returning to his room shortly after the incident.

Local authorities have been conducting a search for Konanki but have not located her since early March. Her family has publicly stated their belief that she may have drowned.

Earlier this week, Konanki’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi, expressed gratitude towards Riibe during emotional interactions, stating, “Her mother hugged me and said, ‘Thank you for saving my daughter the first time.’”

The U.S. State Department has confirmed that they are offering consular assistance to Riibe amidst the ongoing investigation. “We take seriously our commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad,” a spokesperson said.

As details evolve within this case, local authorities maintain Riibe is not a suspect, but his continued presence and account are deemed critical for the investigation. The community in Rock Rapids, Iowa, where Riibe is from, have expressed their support for him during this tumultuous time.