Minnesota Student Linked to Disappearance of Woman in Dominican Republic

Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old St. Cloud State University student, is a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic. He is not considered a suspect, but may have been her last contact. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities re-interviewing witnesses and Konanki’s family urging further search efforts.

A Minnesota college student, Joshua Riibe, 22, is a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Officials believe Riibe may have been the last person to see Konanki, although he is not currently considered a suspect. He is a newly enrolled student at St. Cloud State University, majoring in land surveying and mapping sciences, originating from Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Chad Quinn, spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, clarified that Riibe is categorized as a person of interest to assist in the ongoing missing person investigation since he may have been in the vicinity with Konanki prior to her disappearance. Authorities have not provided further details regarding the timing or location of their interactions.

Riibe’s family is experiencing distress, with his aunt, Theresa Riibe, expressing their challenges and requesting privacy during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Dominican authorities have resumed questioning individuals who were present during Konanki’s last known moments, which occurred on March 6 at a beach by the Hotel Riu República, coinciding with a power outage that drew guests to the shore. The FBI is collaborating with local law enforcement on this investigation.

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents have traveled to Punta Cana, urging law enforcement to increase efforts in the search for their daughter, who had arrived in the Dominican Republic with a group of five other students on March 3.

In summary, Joshua Riibe, a Minnesota student, is recognized as a person of interest in the investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance. Though not deemed a suspect, his potential last contact with Konanki has drawn attention from law enforcement. The situation remains tense as her family seeks answers and as investigations deepen.

Original Source: www.startribune.com