Passport Seized from Key Witness in Disappearance of University of Pittsburgh Student

Passport Seized from Key Witness in Disappearance of University of Pittsburgh Student

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have taken action by seizing the passport of Joshua Riibe, the individual last seen with missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki. This information has been confirmed by Fox News.

Riibe’s legal representatives revealed on Saturday that the authorities confiscated his travel document several days ago. While Riibe has not been officially named a suspect in the disappearance of the 20-year-old student, police have classified him as a person of interest in this ongoing missing person investigation.

The law firm Guzmán Ariza, representing Riibe, stated that authorities confiscated the passport when he attempted to check out from his hotel shortly after the investigation commenced. Since that time, he has not had access to his passport.

Riibe, a 22-year-old from Rock Rapids, Iowa, is a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Despite not facing any formal accusations, he has come under intense scrutiny since Konanki’s disappearance on March 6. A source familiar with the investigation disclosed to Fox News Digital that Riibe is deemed a crucial element in the case, as he is the only publicly known eyewitness.

Sudiksha Konanki, a resident of Loudon County, Virginia, was vacationing at the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana with five fellow students from Pitt prior to her mysterious disappearance. Surveillance footage captured her entering a beach area with five companions around 4:15 a.m. last Thursday. All members of the group, except for Konanki, returned around 6 a.m., while she remained on the beach with Riibe.

On the following Wednesday, Riibe engaged in a nearly four-hour interview with detectives, responding to over 50 questions related to the events surrounding Konanki’s disappearance.

Ongoing Investigation

The case has drawn significant media attention as the search for Konanki extends into its second week. Local authorities in the Dominican Republic have continued to investigate the circumstances of her disappearance, with various resources being deployed to locate her.

While Riibe’s account of the evening has been cited in numerous reports, it has reportedly undergone several changes. Initially, he told authorities that he swam with Konanki, later claiming he left her in knee-deep water before falling ill and passing out on the beach. In his third recounting, he stated that he saw Konanki walking along the shore before falling asleep himself.

Family Concerns

Riibe’s parents, Albert and Tina Riibe, have publicly denounced the investigation’s treatment of their son. They expressed concerns regarding the conditions under which he has been detained and the extensive interrogations he has faced without official translators or legal counsel until Wednesday, March 12.

According to a statement released through their attorneys, the Riibe family described their son’s predicament, stating he has remained under police surveillance at his hotel. Furthermore, he has been repeatedly brought to the police station for long hours of questioning. This situation has alarmed his family, prompting them to retain legal counsel to ensure his safety and protect his rights during the investigation.

Community Response

The local community and social media have reacted strongly to Konanki’s disappearance. Many have shared her story in hopes of raising awareness about her case. The story has gained traction across various platforms, which has also resulted in increased scrutiny of the actions of local authorities.

As this case continues to unfold, both the investigation team and the families involved are seeking clarity. The family of Sudiksha Konanki is particularly invested in finding her and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

A Call for Transparency

This unfolding narrative highlights broader conversations surrounding tourist safety and the role of law enforcement in handling cases involving missing persons. As the investigation progresses, the need for transparency and accountability remains critical.

In the meantime, authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and identify potential leads in the case. As the timeline of events becomes clearer, many hope that answers will emerge regarding Sudiksha Konanki’s whereabouts and the circumstances leading to her disappearance.

While Joshua Riibe remains a person of interest, the investigation’s direction may evolve as authorities consider all available evidence. As the situation develops, updates are expected to emerge.

This report has contributions from Fox News Digital reporters Bryan Llenas, Audrey Conklin, and Michael Ruiz.