Investigation Intensifies in Disappearance of University of Pittsburgh Student

U.S. investigators identified a person of interest in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has no jurisdiction but supports the investigation. There are no signs of foul play, and the investigation remains focused on uncovering the circumstances of her disappearance.

Investigators in the United States have identified a person of interest in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. The spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office indicated that, while they lack jurisdiction, detectives have been dispatched to Punta Cana to support the investigation from the U.S. side.

It is important to note that this person of interest has not been classified as a suspect; the case remains a missing person investigation. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Thomas Julia stated that the individual was interviewed extensively. The FBI is also involved, assisting international partners, as Dominican authorities have not confirmed the status of the person within their ongoing investigation.

On March 3, Konanki traveled to Punta Cana accompanied by five college friends. She was last seen entering the beach area of the Riu Republica Resort shortly before 4:15 a.m. on March 6. Security footage appears to capture her movements as she headed towards the beach with acquaintances met during the trip.

After approximately 40 minutes, her friends returned, and she chose to remain with unfamiliar individuals. They eventually reported her disappearance about 12 hours later after realizing she was missing. Following this, Dominican President Luis Abinader highlighted that one of the last contacts with Konanki described an incident involving a wave at the beach. However, no evidence of blood or violence has been discovered at the scene.

The investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki continues as U.S. authorities, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, collaborate with Dominican authorities. While a person of interest has been identified, they remain categorized separate from a suspect, maintaining the case’s status as a missing persons investigation. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, with no signs of foul play reported.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com