What We Know So Far

Sudiksha Konanki, who is originally from Chantilly, Virginia, was reported missing from the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana after traveling there with five friends on March 3. According to local authorities, she was last seen around the beach area in the early hours of March 6, coinciding with a power outage that caused many guests to head outside.

Her personal belongings, including a phone and wallet, were reportedly left with her friends during her disappearance.

Investigation and Key Players

As the investigation continues, local police and authorities, including the FBI and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office from Virginia, are actively searching for Konanki, utilizing drones and detection dogs in their efforts.

A significant development in the case involves a 22-year-old student named Joshua Riibe, who has been categorized as a “person of interest.” Riibe, who attends St. Cloud State University, was not part of Konanki’s travel group but may have interacted with her prior to her disappearance. Authorities emphasize that he is not considered a suspect at this time.

Surveillance footage shows Riibe in the vicinity of Konanki before her last known sighting, raising questions about his involvement. St. Cloud State University confirmed his enrollment as a senior majoring in land surveying and mapping sciences.

Conflicting Reports and Eyewitness Accounts

Reports concerning the circumstances surrounding Konanki’s disappearance have been inconsistent. Dominican President Luis Abinader mentioned that the last individual known to be with Konanki stated that a wave swept over them while they were at the beach.

While it is indicated that Riibe is cooperating with investigators, there are details suggesting some inconsistencies in his accounts of the events leading up to Konanki’s disappearance, adding complexity to the investigation.