Spring break in Punta Cana was supposed to be a carefree escape, but for one group of students, it has turned into a nightmare.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic are intensifying their investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a pre-med student from the University of Pittsburgh who was last seen in the early hours of March 6.
Hours of Questioning for Last Person to See Konanki
The focus of the investigation has landed on Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
Although he has not been named a suspect, he has been subjected to intense questioning and is currently under 24/7 police surveillance at the Riu Republica, the same resort where Konanki was last seen.
On Saturday, Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso personally arrived at the resort to question Riibe for four hours.
This marks the most extensive legal interrogation he has faced since the search for Konanki began.
Family Claims He’s Being Held Unfairly
Riibe’s parents, Mike and Tina, are voicing their frustrations, claiming that their son is being held under “irregular conditions.”
They argue that he has been repeatedly questioned without legal counsel or official translators and that he is, in effect, being detained without formal charges.
“Despite his full willingness to cooperate, Josh has been subjected to extensive questioning and kept under police surveillance,” the family’s statement read.
They have since hired legal counsel to ensure his rights are protected.
What Riibe Told Investigators
According to reports, Riibe told authorities that he had only just met Konanki that night.
They decided to go to the beach together, where they kissed in the ocean before being caught in a dangerous wave.
He claimed that he managed to save Konanki from drowning but nearly lost consciousness himself.
When investigators pressed him further—asking how they could verify his story, whether Konanki could swim, or if she called for help—he refused to answer, stating, “My lawyers advise me not to answer that question and I follow their advice.”
Surveillance Footage Raises More Questions
Security footage from the resort has provided more context, though it has also raised new concerns.
Cameras captured Konanki appearing ill at a bar inside the resort shortly before she vanished.
Around the same time, Riibe was also seen throwing up near an entrance.
At 4:15 AM, footage showed Riibe with his arm around Konanki as they walked together.
A short while later, some of her friends returned to the hotel, but Konanki never did.
The last recorded sighting of Riibe was at 8:54 AM—he was seen walking back to his room barefoot and shirtless. Konanki was nowhere to be found.
Changing Stories and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have noted inconsistencies in Riibe’s statements, with reports indicating that he has changed details multiple times during questioning.
Investigators are working to piece together the final moments before Konanki’s disappearance and determine whether foul play was involved.
As the search for Konanki continues, her family is pleading for the investigation to be expanded.
They remain hopeful for answers, but as more details emerge, the case only seems to grow more complicated.
The question remains: What really happened that night on the beach?