In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the family of a missing U.S. college student has asked local authorities to officially declare her deceased. The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, who vanished almost two weeks ago during a trip to Punta Cana, have taken this difficult step in hopes of finding closure. Sudiksha, a 20-year-old attending the University of Pittsburgh, disappeared during a spring break vacation with friends.
In a letter addressed to Dominican police, her parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki, acknowledged the extensive search efforts and the local authorities’ belief that their daughter drowned. They expressed that beginning the formal process to declare her legally dead would help the family commence the grieving process and manage issues arising from her absence. Despite the pain, they hope the move brings some form of closure and enables them to honor Sudiksha’s memory appropriately. Dominican police confirmed receipt of the family’s heartfelt letter.
Meanwhile, Michael Chapman, the sheriff of Loudoun County in Virginia, where the Konanki family resides, has stated that U.S. officials are closely collaborating with their Dominican counterparts to review any available evidence in the case. Sheriff Chapman acknowledged the family’s grief and emphasized their commitment to supporting the Konanki family as the local authorities handle the situation. While a decision to declare Sudiksha legally deceased remains with authorities in the Dominican Republic, Chapman assured full support for the family’s needs.
Sudiksha traveled with five female friends to the Caribbean destination on a spring break trip starting March 3. She was last seen at her hotel beach before dawn on March 6. Investigations have involved interviews with people present with Sudiksha on the last day she was seen, one being Joshua Riibe, a Minnesota-based senior who had traveled with her. Riibe, who was detained temporarily by Dominican police, has not been identified as a suspect. A judicial ruling recently allowed his release, affirming his status as a cooperative witness. Judge Edwin Rijo mentioned Riibe’s full compliance with investigators’ requests.
During a court hearing requested by Riibe’s attorney, where numerous journalists were present, the court ordered his release, affirming that his presence was voluntary and supporting inquiries rather than as a detainee. Prior to the judgment, prosecutors advised that Riibe was not arrested and his movements at the hotel were not restricted. Riibe, with the support of a translator, expressed his yearning to return home and reunite with his family, emphasizing his intent to assist ongoing investigations.
Riibe recounted to Dominican media and other sources his final encounters with Sudiksha, explaining they were together on the beach, caught unexpectedly in an ocean current. As a former lifeguard, Riibe helped get them back to the shore. After reaching safety, he reportedly fell ill and lost sight of Sudiksha, who had gone to collect her belongings. Baffled by her subsequent disappearance, Riibe reiterated his surprise upon learning the news.
In their letter, Sudiksha’s parents indicated that Riibe, termed as “the individual” last seen with their daughter, has been cooperating with authorities and pointed out no evidence of foul play has emerged. Originally from India, Sudiksha Konanki later became a permanent resident of the United States, and her absence has left a significant void in the lives of her loved ones.
