Parents of Missing Student Seek Declaration of Death in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents have requested police in the Dominican Republic to declare their missing daughter dead after 11 days of searching. The 20-year-old college student went missing on March 6 while on a beach trip with friends, with no evidence of foul play identified. Investigations continue with Joshua Riibe, a person of interest, under scrutiny but not charged with any crime.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old missing college student, have requested the police in the Dominican Republic to declare her deceased after she vanished on March 6 during a trip with friends. According to a spokesperson from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, this request was made in pursuit of closure for the family.

Originally from Loudoun County, Virginia, Konanki, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, was last observed going for an early morning beach walk at Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana. She was part of a group of six university students, including another resident from Loudoun County.

On March 17, a spokesperson for the Dominican National Police confirmed the receipt of a letter from Konanki’s family, which expressed their desire for a death declaration. Reports from ABC News indicated that the family was aware of the necessary legal procedures and was ready to comply with them.

The letter indicated the parent’s acknowledgment of the lack of suspicious circumstances surrounding their daughter’s presumed death. LCSO spokesperson Thomas Julia mentioned that the family had met with law enforcement to express their gratitude for the ongoing investigation while seeking closure.

The investigation has involved questioning the friends who were traveling with Konanki as well as Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old person of interest who is believed to have shared the beach with her shortly before she disappeared. Riibe is not formally charged with any crime, although he remains under investigation.

Reports from the Dominican news outlet Noticias SIN revealed that Riibe’s legal representatives filed a habeas corpus petition to have him released. A hearing regarding this petition was scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.

Evidence from the search included the discovery of Konanki’s clothing on a beach lounge chair, with no indications of violence found. Surveillance footage captured her and a group heading towards the beach early on March 6, with details indicating she may have drowned while swimming.

While some speculate that she may have been swept away by a wave, the Loudoun County authorities reiterated the absence of conclusive evidence to support this theory as the investigation remains active and coordinated between U.S. and Dominican law enforcement. As of now, Konanki’s body has not been recovered, and the search continues.

The situation surrounding Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance highlights the familial struggle for closure amidst ongoing investigations. Despite the police having no definitive evidence of foul play, the request for a declaration of death underscores the profound emotional impact of her absence. The collaborative efforts between U.S. and Dominican law enforcement signify a commitment to resolving the case, although the search for Konanki’s body remains ongoing.

Original Source: people.com