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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – A key witness in the disappearance of American college student Sudiksha Konanki told Dominican Republic police that he and the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student were swimming when a large wave struck them, sweeping them away. This account comes from a translated transcript of the witness’s statement, shared with Fox News.
Joshua Riibe, 24, from Iowa, completed a nearly four-hour interview with Dominican Republic police on Wednesday as a witness in connection with Konanki’s disappearance. He answered more than 50 questions about the events leading up to her vanishing on March 6. Authorities have classified Riibe as a witness, not as a person of interest or suspect.
Riibe reportedly refused to answer eight questions, including his thoughts on the disappearance and why he did not inform the hotel or authorities about the incident. Police have stated there are no suspects, and this remains a missing person case, not a criminal investigation. Riibe told police he met Konanki the night she disappeared, as both were staying at the RIU Republica resort for spring break.
Riibe’s lawyer, Beatriz Santana, declined to comment on the case or her client’s interviews with police. Riibe’s family also released a statement, saying, “At this point in time, our family is going through a very difficult period, experiencing deep sadness and pain. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this challenging moment together… We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.”
Timeline of American College Student’s Disappearance in the Dominican Republic
Konanki, 20, from northern Virginia, was first reported missing on Thursday, March 6, after vanishing from a beach in the Dominican Republic.
Details of the Incident
In the early hours of March 6, Riibe and Konanki walked from a hotel bar to the beach outside the RIU Republica. Konanki had arrived in Punta Cana on March 3 and was staying with five female friends from the University of Pittsburgh. Riibe arrived on March 1.
“On the way to the beach, she was giving me small kisses on the face,” Riibe told police, according to the transcript.
On the beach, Riibe and Konanki entered the water while two of her female friends stayed ashore. Riibe explained that they were talking when a “big wave” hit them. At the time, there was a red-flag warning on the beach, advising against swimming due to rough surf.
“[W]ith the water’s pullback, it dragged us further into the sea,” Riibe said. “As soon as we surfaced, we tried to call for help, but no one was there.”
Riibe, who has lifeguard experience, said he held Konanki under her arm and attempted to swim her back to shore. “It took me a long time to get her out. It was difficult,” he continued. “I was trying to keep her breathing the whole time, which didn’t allow me to breathe properly, and I swallowed a lot of water. I could have lost consciousness at some point.”
When they finally reached the shore, Riibe said he placed Konanki on the sand. “Then she went to collect her belongings because the ocean had moved them,” he added.
Riibe last saw Konanki walking “knee-deep” in the water. “I asked if she was okay. I didn’t hear her response because I started vomiting all the seawater I had swallowed,” he said. “After vomiting, I looked around and didn’t see anyone. I thought she had grabbed her things and left.”
Riibe then slept on a beach chair before returning to his room. He said he expected to see Konanki the next day but never did.
Unanswered Questions
Riibe declined to answer eight questions on the advice of his attorneys, including:
- How can we verify that everything you said is true?
- What did you tell your friend when he asked about Konanki’s disappearance?
- What do you think about Sudiksha’s disappearance?
- Did Sudiksha know how to swim?
- Did Sudiksha make any gestures or scream while in the sea?
- Did you inform the authorities or the hotel about what happened on the beach?
- Did you tell your friend what happened on the beach?
- How do you feel about this situation?
Investigation and Family Statements
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where Konanki resides, stated that Riibe is “not a person of interest nor a suspect for purposes of a criminal investigation.” Detectives interviewed Riibe on March 13, and he was cooperative.
Authorities continue to search for Konanki, who was last seen on surveillance footage walking to the beach at 4:15 a.m. on March 6.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021 or the Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 to remain anonymous.
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