Parents of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Seek Legal Death Declaration

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents seek a legal declaration of her death to achieve closure following her disappearance in the Dominican Republic. Investigators believe she drowned, but her body has not been found. Legal processes are complex, requiring approval from Dominican authorities. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is aiding her family amid their grief.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing Indian student, desire for her to be declared legally dead to attain closure. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, this action aligns with the grieving parents’ wishes, as they seek acknowledgment of their daughter’s presumed accidental drowning by Dominican authorities. The final decision on this matter remains with officials in the Dominican Republic.

Since Sudiksha disappeared on March 6 from Punta Cana beach, her body has yet to be located. The Konanki family indicated in a letter obtained by CNN that initiating the legal proceedings would facilitate their grieving process and help them manage related issues. Investigators support the family’s claim, stating they believe Sudiksha drowned and have found no evidence of foul play, thus encouraging authorities to expedite the declaration of her death.

Sheriff Mike Chapman emphasized that while the belief is that Ms. Konanki drowned, her death remains unconfirmed, keeping the case open. Dominican authorities continue to investigate, and legal experts highlight the challenges associated with declaring a person dead without a body, pointing out that such a declaration necessitates special approval from Congress or the president, according to attorney Julio Cury.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the family through this complex process, which includes potential legal proceedings. Personal injury and criminal defense attorney Phillip DiLucente noted the family’s request likely stems from a deep need for closure, as they seek to honor their daughter. Obtaining a legal death declaration would also aid in managing financial matters tied to Sudiksha’s college savings and insurance policies, which remain unresolved.

In an emotional interview, Sudiksha’s father expressed their sorrow, stating, “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact that our daughter has drowned.” Sudiksha arrived in Punta Cana on March 3 for a trip with friends and was last seen heading to the beach with a group, including Joshua Riibe, a person of interest in the case. Surveillance footage shows them entering the beach, but only Mr. Riibe returned shortly after, prompting authorities to detain him for questioning.

Although Mr. Riibe was initially detained, he has since been released, albeit without his passport, which remains with Dominican officials. He described a failed rescue attempt while speaking with investigators. The ongoing investigation is categorized as a missing persons case by both U.S. and Dominican authorities, rather than as a criminal investigation.

The tragic case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the anguish of her family as they seek to have her declared legally dead to enable closure and manage associated financial matters. Despite ongoing investigations and a lack of a physical body to confirm her death, the family’s plea reflects deep emotional challenges and the legal complexities involved in such declarations. The support from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office underscores the importance of assistance during their profound loss, while the case remains open in both U.S. and Dominican jurisdictions.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com