The household of College of Pittsburgh pupil Sudiksha Konanki has despatched a proper request to Dominican police requesting they declare their daughter lifeless almost two weeks after the 20-year-old went lacking on a spring break journey in Punta Cana, based on two sources with information of the investigation.
Authorities have mentioned they imagine Konanki died by drowning within the early hours of March 6, officers informed ABC Information.
Within the letter, Konanki’s dad and mom mentioned they belief the authorities’ investigation, the sources mentioned.
Sudiksha Konanki is seen on this undated photograph shared to Meta.
Sudiksha Konanki through Meta
Her dad and mom added that Joshua Riibe — a Minnesota school pupil who was swimming within the ocean with Konanki the evening she went lacking — is cooperating with the investigation they usually acknowledge there isn’t any proof of foul play, the sources mentioned.
The dad and mom mentioned they perceive sure authorized procedures should be adopted for his or her request, however they’re ready to adjust to any crucial formalities or documentation, based on sources.
Civil protection boats seek for Sudiksha Konanki, a college pupil from the U.S. who disappeared on a seashore in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, March. 10, 2025.
Francesco Spotorno/AP
In the meantime, the 22-year-old Riibe — who has not been charged with a criminal offense — has been questioned by prosecutors over three days, an official near the investigation informed ABC Information.
His legal professionals have requested a habeas corpus listening to as a result of they imagine he is being detained illegally and need to forestall him from being positioned in custody, a supply from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Justice informed ABC Information.
Authorities have confiscated Riibe’s passport and his attorneys mentioned he is being surveilled at his lodge.
Within the Dominican Republic, folks can problem an illegal detention via a habeas corpus listening to. Detained people are required to be introduced earlier than a choose inside 48 hours, or they should be both charged or launched.
A ruling on the habeas corpus listening to request can’t forestall an order of arrest by Dominican authorities, based on Riibe’s lawyer and a supply from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Justice.
Konanki’s lacking individuals case is being handled as an accident, sources mentioned. Authorities mentioned Riibe just isn’t a suspect and is cooperating and being questioned as a witness.
