Dominican Authorities Lift Surveillance on Joshua Riibe Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Student

Joshua Riibe’s police surveillance has ended, with his passport anticipated to be returned soon amid investigations into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki. Riibe is no longer considered a person of interest after interviews with law enforcement. The Konanki family is seeking a formal declaration of her death while trusting the ongoing investigation.

The authorities in the Dominican Republic have lifted police surveillance on Joshua Riibe, who is linked to the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki from Loudoun County, Virginia. Despite this, his passport has not yet been returned but is anticipated to be given back on Thursday as officials continue their investigation, as reported by ABC News.

The decision to free Riibe from police custody followed a habeas corpus hearing. His father, who traveled from Iowa for the hearing, expressed his commitment to remain in the Dominican Republic until his son was released. The Prosecutor’s Office also confirmed that Riibe would receive his passport shortly after the court’s decision.

After interviewing Riibe, his father, and his legal representative on March 13, Loudoun County deputies no longer regard him as a person of interest. Riibe has faced no charges despite being under surveillance following Konanki’s last sighting at a Punta Cana hotel on March 6, where he stated they had spent time together.

The judge permitted Riibe to move about freely, designating him as a witness rather than a suspect, yet withheld his passport due to jurisdictional limitations. Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student from Chantilly, Virginia, was visiting the Dominican Republic for spring break.

In Tuesday’s hearing, Riibe shared that he had undergone extensive questioning by police and was restricted from visiting local beaches during this period. He expressed a desire to return home soon. A representative from Riibe’s defense conveyed their support for Konanki’s family during this challenging time, hoping for her swift return.

The Konanki family has formally requested a declaration of her death, indicating their trust in the ongoing investigation. They are prepared to fulfill any legal requirements needed for this process. A ruling on this matter is expected from the judge on March 28, according to ABC News.

In summary, Joshua Riibe is no longer under police surveillance as investigations into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance continue. His passport is expected to be returned following a recent court ruling, where he was deemed a witness rather than a suspect. The Konanki family is pursuing formal declarations of her death while expressing confidence in the investigative process. The upcoming court ruling on March 28 will further clarify the situation.

Original Source: fox17.com