NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, March 14, 2025: Authorities investigating the disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who vanished while on spring break, are now focusing on Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old tourist from Iowa who was the last person seen with her.
Riibe, identified as a person of interest, stated that he and Konanki had kissed on the beach before heading into the water. He claimed that after they were hit by a wave, he managed to pull her back to shore but soon lost track of her while he vomited after swallowing seawater. Authorities have since revealed that Riibe’s accounts varied during questioning, prompting them to name him as a person of interest.
Konanki was last seen on surveillance footage walking along the beach with Riibe near the Riu Republica resort around 5:50 a.m. on March 6. Red flags warning of dangerous sea conditions were reportedly posted on the beach that morning. While authorities initially suspected drowning, they have now broadened their search after Konanki’s body was not recovered.
Venmo transactions were made by Konanki just hours before her disappearance, including one payment linked to a nightclub. Authorities are examining these transactions as part of the investigation.
Konanki’s family has urged officials to consider all possibilities, including kidnapping or human trafficking, as search efforts continue.
Over 300 law enforcement personnel have been involved in the extensive search, utilizing helicopters, drones, boats, and dogs.
