Family of Missing American Sudiksha Konanki Seeks Death Declaration from Dominican Authorities

Family of Missing American Sudiksha Konanki Seeks Death Declaration from Dominican Authorities

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The anguished parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, have requested a formal declaration of death from Dominican police nearly two weeks following her mysterious disappearance from a luxurious resort in Punta Cana. They have expressed their acceptance of the account provided by the only known eyewitness in the case.

Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki are not contesting the narrative provided by Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old fellow spring breaker from Iowa who is believed to be the last individual to see their daughter alive. In a letter sent to Dominican authorities, they emphasized their desire for answers after enduring a harrowing time filled with uncertainty.

Sudiksha, only 20 years old, vanished in the early hours of March 6 after venturing to the beach with a group of seven friends around 4:15 a.m. Surveillance footage captured most of her companions returning to the resort around 6 a.m., while Riibe later came back alone, hours after the others had left.

The family did not provide immediate comments when approached for more information regarding the letter that has garnered attention in local and international media.

Authorities Conclude Investigation

The Konankis’ request follows an extensive search effort by local authorities. In their correspondence to La Policia Nacional, the national police force in the Dominican Republic, they conveyed that authorities believe Sudiksha likely drowned, a claim supported by the discovery of her clothing on a beach adjacent to the area where she was last seen. They also noted that Riibe has been cooperative with investigators and no signs of criminal activity have emerged during the investigation.

“This decision was made after much deliberation,” the grieving parents acknowledged in their letter. They expressed gratitude to those who supported the international search for their daughter, underscoring their reliance on community assistance in these challenging times.

“Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence,” they expressed, indicating hope that declaring her death may offer a semblance of closure.

Riibe Under Investigation but Not Charged

Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has not faced any criminal charges related to Konanki’s disappearance. However, he has been under continuous surveillance at the resort where they both were staying during spring break. His family has described the circumstances surrounding his presence in the country as