Parents of Missing College Student Seek Declaration of Death Amid Investigation

The parents of missing college student Sudiksha Konanki, who disappeared in the Dominican Republic on March 6, have requested police to declare her dead after over a week of searching. Authorities confirmed her last known encounter was with person of interest Joshua Riibe. The family expressed their understanding of the situation, acknowledging no foul play is suspected and seeking closure amidst the investigation.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student who went missing in the Dominican Republic, are requesting that local authorities officially declare their daughter dead. This request follows her disappearance on March 6, during a beach walk with friends while on spring break. A spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the family is seeking closure amidst their distressing situation.

Sudiksha, a student at the University of Pittsburgh and a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, was one of a group of six students traveling in the Dominican Republic. Reports indicate that she was last seen swimming with Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old individual identified as a person of interest, though he has not been charged with any crime related to her disappearance.

On March 17, authorities confirmed that Konanki’s family had sent a letter to Dominican officials requesting a declaration of death. They expressed their understanding of the legal procedures involved and were prepared to comply with any necessary formalities. The family also clarified in their communication that they do not suspect foul play in their daughter’s disappearance.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Thomas Julia stated that a meeting took place with Konanki’s family, where they expressed their gratitude for the investigation efforts. Additionally, it was confirmed that Riibe remains a person of interest while friends of Konanki have been questioned as part of the investigation.

While it was reported that clothing belonging to Konanki was found on the beach, Dominican authorities have noted they have not confirmed any details regarding her presumed drowning, despite speculation about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The search for her remains ongoing, with local authorities cooperating with U.S. law enforcement in the investigation.

Surveillance footage captured Konanki and her friends on the beach early on the morning of her disappearance. After most returned, only she remained with one other person, who she subsequently went swimming with, prompting concerns regarding her safety. Despite the lack of evidence confirming a drowning, investigators continue to analyze all available information in this case.

The tragic case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the complexities surrounding missing person investigations abroad. Her parents’ request for a declaration of death underscores their grief and need for closure, while ongoing inquiries involving local authorities and a person of interest indicate that the investigation remains active. The situation raises significant concerns regarding safety and the challenges faced by travelers, especially in unfamiliar environments.

Original Source: people.com