Identification of Person of Interest in Case of Missing University Student

Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, has a person of interest identified in her case, as investigators continue searches in the Dominican Republic. Her friends last saw her at the beach, and no signs of violence were found. Collaboration between U.S. and Dominican officials is ongoing.

Investigators have identified a person of interest in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who has been missing since a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. A spokesperson from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed this finding, though they noted the office does not have jurisdiction in the investigation. Detectives have been dispatched to Punta Cana to assist in the U.S.-related aspects of the inquiry.

While the individual in question was interviewed extensively, Dominican authorities have not confirmed their status as a person of interest. Thomas Julia, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, clarified, “This is not the same thing as a suspect, as this is not a criminal matter. It is still a missing person case.”

Konanki disappeared early on March 6 after she and her friends were captured on security footage entering a beach area at the Riu Republica Resort, where they were staying. Following the incident, her friends returned to the hotel without her approximately 40 minutes later. They noticed her absence about 12 hours later while on an excursion and promptly reported the matter to hotel officials.

President Luis Abinader mentioned in a press conference that one of the last individuals to have contact with Konanki described an incident involving a wave impacting them while at the beach; however, no indications of violence or blood were discovered by authorities at the site.

The investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance remains ongoing, with a person of interest identified yet not deemed a suspect in the case. U.S. and Dominican authorities are collaborating in search efforts, with Konanki’s friends and witnesses providing crucial information. As of now, the search continues in hopes of locating the missing student, amidst concerns raised regarding her final moments at the resort.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com