Family of Missing Pitt Student Requests Death Declaration in the Dominican Republic

The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing Pitt student, has requested Dominican authorities declare her legally dead. They believe she drowned following her disappearance during a spring break trip. The last person with her is cooperating with authorities, and the investigation indicates no foul play.

The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during a spring break trip in Punta Cana, has formally requested Dominican authorities declare her legally deceased. This request follows nearly two weeks of uncertainty regarding her fate. In a letter to local officials, her parents expressed that such a declaration would enable them to begin the grieving process and deal with issues arising from her absence.

Sudiksha’s father highlighted the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the incident, citing that both sets of authorities indicated the presence of high ocean waves at the time, leading to the conclusion that she likely drowned. He also noted that the person last seen with his daughter, Joshua Riibe, had been cooperative with investigators and was not initially regarded as a suspect.

Authorities believe that Sudiksha Konanki tragically drowned in the early hours of March 6. Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman underscored the tragic nature of her disappearance and expressed the department’s support for the Konanki family throughout this difficult time. Sheriff Chapman stated that the final decision regarding the death declaration resides with Dominican authorities, yet they are committed to assisting the family with available information.

Surveillance footage from that night revealed Konanki walking toward the beach with a group prior to her disappearance, including Riibe, who has been questioned extensively but not charged with any crime. Riibe mentioned that both he and Konanki were swept into the ocean by a wave, but he believed she might have made it back safely, although he remained uncertain. His legal team is pursuing a habeas corpus hearing, asserting his illegal detention and seeking to prevent further custody.

The situation surrounding Sudiksha Konanki continues to unfold as her family seeks closure amidst an unimaginable tragedy.

The Konanki family is pursuing a legal declaration regarding the status of their missing daughter, Sudiksha, nearly two weeks after her disappearance. The investigation indicates that she likely drowned, and the authorities have expressed support for the grieving family during this challenging time. As the inquiry continues, the last person to see Konanki remains cooperative. Overall, this case illustrates the profound sorrow experienced by families affected by such tragic events.

Original Source: www.kwxx.com