Minnesota Student a Person of Interest in Woman’s Disappearance in Punta Cana

Joshua Riibe, a Minnesota college student, is a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic. Though he is not a suspect, he may have been among the last to see her. Investigation efforts are ongoing, while families involved seek privacy amid this distressing situation.

A Minnesota college student, Joshua Riibe, aged 22, is considered a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Riibe is believed to be among the last individuals who saw Konanki before she vanished, though officials have stated he is not a suspect at this time.

According to Zachary Dwyer, a spokesperson for St. Cloud State University, Riibe enrolled at the institution in 2023 and hails from Rock Rapids, Iowa. He is pursuing a major in land surveying and mapping sciences. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Chad Quinn, noted that Riibe is a person of interest solely for the purpose of investigating Konanki’s disappearance, due to his proximity to her prior to her being reported missing on March 6.

Konanki was last seen around the beachfront area of the Hotel Riu República during a power outage that affected the premises, bringing guests to the beach. Authorities, including the FBI, are actively investigating by re-interviewing those present with Konanki before her disappearance. It has been clarified that Riibe was not part of Konanki’s travel group.

The family of Joshua Riibe, grappling with the ongoing situation, has requested privacy during this challenging time. His aunt, Theresa Riibe, expressed the family’s sorrow, stating, “Our family is going through a very difficult time right now, and we’re experiencing a lot of sadness and pain.”

Konanki’s parents, who arrived in Punta Cana shortly after her disappearance, have urged authorities to extend the investigation efforts. They reported that she was traveling with five other students who had arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3, preceding her unsettling disappearance.

In summary, Joshua Riibe is regarded as a person of interest in the case of Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance, although he is not considered a suspect by law enforcement. The investigation continues as family members seek clarity and the investigation broadens. The family of Riibe has requested privacy during these challenging circumstances, reflecting the emotional turmoil the situation involves.

Original Source: www.startribune.com