Iowan Student’s Passport Confiscated Amid Investigation of Missing College Student

Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Iowan student, has had his passport confiscated by authorities in the Dominican Republic amid the investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki. He allegedly was the last person seen with her on March 6. While under police escort, Riibe’s family expresses concern over his treatment, asserting their support for the search for Konanki.

In the Dominican Republic, authorities have confiscated the passport of Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Iowan student implicated in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student. Riibe, currently confined to his hotel with police escort, attended St. Cloud State University and was reportedly the last individual seen with Konanki before her vanishing on March 6 during a spring break trip.

Riibe’s attorneys indicated that he is restricted from leaving the hotel except when required for questioning, consistently accompanied by law enforcement. The spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office clarified that the investigation is not criminal in nature, and Riibe is not considered a suspect.

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, traveled to the Dominican Republic with five friends. Surveillance footage indicated she was last seen with Riibe at the beach early on March 6, while he left hours later without her. It appears that he met Konanki in the resort town of Punta Cana, not as part of her travel group.

Riibe’s family expressed their sorrow over Konanki’s disappearance, affirming their willingness to aid in the search. They emphasized their concern over the circumstances of Riibe’s detention, describing it as irregular and highlighting a lack of available legal counsel or translation services during his questioning. Subsequently, they sought legal representation to ensure his rights are safeguarded throughout the process.

A statement from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, issued on behalf of Riibe’s friends, conveyed community support for him and his family, stressing the values of compassion and integrity that Riibe represents. It requested that the public respect their privacy.

Riibe has shared details of their final moments in the ocean together, recounting their struggle when a wave pulled them further out. He stated that he attempted to keep Konanki afloat while facing difficulty in breathing himself. Meanwhile, the Hotel Riu Republica reported a power outage shortly before Konanki’s disappearance, although electricity was restored before she was last seen on surveillance cameras at the hotel.

The situation regarding Joshua Riibe’s detention in the Dominican Republic following the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki raises concerns about his treatment and the ongoing investigation. While Riibe remains a key figure in understanding Konanki’s case, authorities have stated that he is not a suspect. The support from his family and community highlights the emotional impact of this tragic event.

Original Source: www.desmoinesregister.com