Authorities have identified 24-year-old Joshua Riibe as a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who vanished while on a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Konanki, a Virginia native and junior at Pitt, was last seen on March 6, 2025, around 4:15 a.m., walking along the beach near the Riu Republica Resort. Surveillance footage shows her with a group of people before staying behind with one individual as the others returned to the hotel.

Person of Interest Questioned

Riibe, also a guest at the resort, has been interviewed extensively by authorities but has not been charged. According to his statement, he and Konanki went swimming, but they were separated by a large wave, and he returned to shore alone. However, investigators are working to verify his account and determine whether foul play was involved.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where Konanki is from, confirmed that Riibe is a person of interest and has cooperated with investigators. Authorities have not disclosed whether they have evidence linking him to any wrongdoing, but his presence in the case has raised significant questions.

Extensive Search Efforts Underway

The search for Konanki has intensified, with Dominican authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Embassy involved in the efforts. Helicopters, drones, and divers have been deployed to comb the beach and surrounding waters. So far, investigators have found some of her belongings, including clothing left on a beach lounge chair, but no signs of struggle or violence.

Despite the extensive search, no major breakthroughs have been made. Authorities continue to consider all possibilities, including accidental drowning or foul play. Konanki’s family and friends remain desperate for answers, urging officials to leave no stone unturned.

International Cooperation and Public Concern

The Embassy of India has also joined the search efforts, offering assistance to the Konanki family. Meanwhile, growing public interest in the case has led to calls for more transparency from authorities. Many are questioning how a young woman could disappear so suddenly in a well-populated resort area with security cameras and staff present.

Local police have not ruled out any possibilities, and with Riibe under scrutiny, investigators are working to determine the credibility of his account. The case has sparked conversations about safety for young travelers, particularly those visiting foreign countries during spring break.

What Happens Next?

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The search remains active, and officials are determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Konanki that night.

For now, questions remain: Was this a tragic accident, or is there something more sinister at play? With international agencies now involved, the coming days may bring new developments in the case.