Family of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Requests Death Declaration from Authorities

The family of Sudiksha Konanki has asked Dominican police to declare her dead following her disappearance during spring break. Despite extensive searches, she remains unaccounted for since March 6. Investigations focus on last seen individual Joshua Riibe, whose cooperation with authorities has been confirmed, yet no signs of violence or criminal activity have emerged.

The family of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has requested that police in the Dominican Republic declare her legally dead. This appeal was confirmed by Diego Pesqueira, a spokesperson for the Dominican Republic National Police. Sudiksha, aged 20, was on spring break when she vanished in the early hours of March 6. Despite thorough search efforts, no traces of her body have been discovered.

Sudiksha Konanki, a junior majoring in biology, hails from Loudoun County, Virginia. Last seen after visiting the beach with friends, she stayed behind with acquaintances following their departure. She was unaccounted for after 4:15 a.m. on the day of her disappearance. Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old senior from St. Cloud State University, is believed to be the last person to have seen her prior to her disappearance.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Dominican authorities have confiscated Riibe’s passport. He was reportedly seen by NBC News on a beach in Punta Cana with investigators, indicating his cooperation with officials. His attorney noted that Riibe is under constant police supervision and cannot leave the hotel where he has been confined since the incident began.

According to police spokesperson Pesqueira, no evidence of violence was identified at the beach. Furthermore, a hotel representative indicated that there were red flags warning of hazardous sea conditions when Sudiksha went missing. Riibe recounted to investigators that he and Konanki were in shallow water before a wave pulled them into deeper waters. He expressed his distress, indicating, “I kept trying to get her to breathe,” while explaining the struggle they faced.

Riibe stated he managed to return Konanki to the shore but lost sight of her shortly thereafter. He remarked, “The last time I saw her, I asked if she was OK. I didn’t hear her answer.” Dominican authorities have indicated that no suspects are currently identified in this case, which U.S. authorities classify as a missing persons situation instead of a criminal investigation.

The tragic case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the immense uncertainty surrounding her disappearance during spring break in the Dominican Republic. Her family’s request for a legal declaration of death underscores their profound loss. Despite thorough investigations, including scrutiny of the last known individual to see her, no conclusive evidence has pointed to foul play. The ongoing efforts by authorities indicate a significant commitment to resolving this heartbreaking situation, whilst also emphasizing the dangers of marine environments.

Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com