Dominican Authorities Lift Surveillance on Joshua Riibe Amid Missing Student Case

Dominican authorities have lifted surveillance on Joshua Riibe, linked to missing student Sudiksha Konanki. His passport is expected to be returned as investigations continue. Riibe is no longer considered a person of interest by Loudoun County deputies. Meanwhile, Konanki’s family is seeking a formal declaration of her death, anticipating a court ruling on March 28.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have decided to lift police surveillance on Joshua Riibe, the individual linked to the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a student from Loudoun County, Virginia. Although his passport is expected to be returned on Thursday, he remains under scrutiny as investigations continue into Konanki’s case. This decision followed a habeas corpus hearing where Riibe’s defense aimed for his release after his initial detainment during the weekend.

Riibe’s father traveled from Iowa to support his son during the hearing and indicated he would stay until Riibe is freed. The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Riibe would receive his passport, while his legal representatives were also seeking assistance from the local US embassy for an alternative. Following an interview with Riibe, deputies in Loudoun County no longer consider him a person of interest.

Despite not facing charges, Riibe was surveilled for several days after Konanki was last seen on March 6 at a Punta Cana hotel. He claimed to have spent time with her at the beach the night before her disappearance. The judge classified Riibe as a witness rather than a suspect and allowed him freedom of movement, although he did not return his passport due to jurisdictional constraints.

Meanwhile, Konanki’s family is advocating for a formal declaration of her death, acknowledging the legal processes involved. In their request, they expressed trust in the authorities and a willingness to submit necessary documentation. Konanki was in the Dominican Republic for spring break when she went missing, and a ruling in this case is anticipated on March 28, according to reports.

In summation, the Dominican authorities have lifted the police surveillance on Joshua Riibe, who is not currently charged in the case of Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance but remains under scrutiny. The investigation continues as her family seeks to establish a formal declaration of her death while relying on the ongoing judicial processes. The outcome of the situation will be further addressed in an upcoming court ruling.

Original Source: fox17.com