Here’s the news:
Tragic Closure: Konanki’s Parents Seek Death Declaration as Investigation Ends for Riibe
1. Heartbreaking request
On March 17, 2025, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki formally submitted a letter to Dominican Republic police and U.S. authorities, urging that their missing daughter, Sudiksha, be legally declared dead. They stated there was no evidence of foul play, and that the declaration is essential for them to begin grieving and address legal matters stemming from her disappearance .
2. Police drop probe on last person seen with Sudiksha
Joshua (Josh) Riibe—an Iowa native attending St. Cloud State University in Minnesota—was the last person seen with Sudiksha on March 6 at Punta Cana’s Riu República resort. He described being caught in a strong wave while they were in waist‑deep water, attempting to help her to shore. Sudiksha went missing; her sarong and flip‑flops were found nearby . Investigators in both the Dominican Republic and Virginia’s Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office—and now her parents—have concluded there’s no suspicion of foul play, and Riibe is no longer considered a person of interest .
3. Riibe’s legal status shifts
Dominican authorities initially held Riibe under detention-like conditions: his passport was confiscated, and he was closely monitored while cooperating with the investigation . He petitioned successfully and was released from formal custody; a judge later ruled he’s free to travel and back in Minnesota after U.S. assistance secured a new passport . His attorneys have maintained that his treatment—including limited access to translators and counsel during questioning—violated his rights .
4. Search turned to ocean tragedy
Dominican Navy teams have continued searching Punta Cana’s waters, using divers and drones. Officials explained that bodies of drowning victims sometimes become trapped under coral reefs and may surface days later—though, to date, Sudiksha’s body has not been found .
What’s next?
Dominican authorities must decide whether to legally grant the Konankis’ request to declare Sudiksha deceased.
U.S. and Dominican officials are collaborating via the FBI, Virginia police, and local agencies to continue the case.
Family proceedings, including estate, absence declarations, and insurance, will hinge on the legal decision.
This tragic turn brings a heartbreaking acceptance: without evidence of foul play, all signs point to a drowning. Sudiksha’s family, devastated, now seeks a declaration of death to begin the most difficult steps of closure. Our thoughts are with them.
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