Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – The chief prosecutor in the Dominican Republic conducted extensive interviews with 22-year-old Joshua Riibe from Iowa at his hotel in Punta Cana on Saturday. This was part of the investigation involving the disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki from Virginia, the only known eyewitness. Yeni Berenice Reynoso, the Dominican attorney general, personally questioned Riibe after a week of interviews with detectives from various agencies including La Policia Nacional and detectives from Loudoun County, Virginia – Konanki’s hometown.
Reynoso’s office did not provide any comments despite multiple requests. Riibe, accompanied by his lawyers, was seen entering and leaving a room at the Riu Republica hotel where he was being questioned by the attorney general. While Riibe has not been identified as a suspect and no crime has been alleged, authorities consider him a significant part of the investigation. Riibe, Konanki, and their friends were staying at the resort for spring break.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old from northern Virginia, was reported missing on March 6 after disappearing from a beach in the Dominican Republic. Riibe’s parents expressed concern about the treatment he received during his stay, mentioning he was questioned without official translators or legal counsel present until March 12.
It was mentioned that Riibe’s passport has been confiscated. Konanki was last seen entering the beach with a group that included Riibe, who is a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Dominican law stipulates that detained individuals must be released within 48 hours if not charged.
The U.S. State Department is aware of the situation but could not provide details due to privacy concerns. They emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens abroad.
A source close to the investigation highlighted that Riibe remains a crucial figure in the case and could potentially face further questioning.
Intensified questioning has taken place, with authorities now examining phone records of Sudiksha Konanki and other witnesses who were seen with her before she disappeared. The group entered the beach behind the Riu Republica five-star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, at 4:15 a.m. on March 6. While most members returned, Konanki did not. Some left the beach around 6 a.m., with one individual returning around 10 a.m. Konanki was reported missing at 4 p.m. that day and has yet to be found. The search effort faces challenges from unpredictable ocean currents and the vast beachfront area. Riibe, in a police interview transcript obtained by Fox News, mentioned being hit by a wave with Konanki, successfully bringing her back to shore, and then losing sight of her while he was resting. The search operation has expanded along the coastline, involving numerous personnel and sophisticated equipment. Riibe’s parents expressed their support for the search and Riibe’s cooperation with authorities.
