Family Requests Death Declaration for Missing Pitt Student in…

The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, has requested Dominican police declare her dead after she disappeared during a spring break trip. Her last known companion, Joshua Riibe, is cooperating with authorities, having been monitored closely since the investigation began. U.S. officials consider the case a missing persons matter, as searches continue without any leads to her whereabouts.

The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, has requested Dominican Republic police to officially declare her dead following her disappearance during a spring break trip. Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira confirmed the family’s letter to the authorities. Konanki was last seen on March 6 after going to a beach with friends in the Dominican Republic but has not been located despite extensive search efforts.

Sudiksha, a biology junior from Loudoun County, Virginia, was last reported with a group on the beach before she vanished around 4:15 a.m. The last known person to see her was Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old student from Minnesota. Dominican authorities have confiscated Riibe’s passport as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Riibe was observed discussing the situation with investigators on a beach in Punta Cana and conveyed to NBC News his intention to assist in the investigation, stating, “I’m just trying to help them out. The ocean is a dangerous place.” His law firm indicated he has been closely monitored by police since the investigation began, restricting his freedom of movement.

Further reports indicated that no signs of violence were found at the beach, although the area had flags warning of strong currents and high waves at the time of Konanki’s disappearance. Riibe mentioned during an interview that both were in the ocean when a wave took them further out. He claimed to have managed to bring her back to the shore before losing sight of her.

Currently, Dominican authorities do not have any suspects in the case, and U.S. officials consider it a missing persons situation rather than a criminal investigation.

The case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the ongoing search for a missing student in the Dominican Republic. Despite extensive searches and efforts from both local and U.S. authorities, her family has moved to request a formal declaration of her death. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and ensuring that all responsible parties are properly evaluated.

Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com