Missing Pitt Student's Disappearance: Person of Interest Identified!

2025-03-12 06:01:03.458

Authorities in Virginia have identified a 24-year-old man, Joshua Ribe, as a person of interest in the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic. Konanki, a 20-year-old pre-med student, vanished from the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana on March 6th while on spring break. Ribe, from Iowa, has been interviewed extensively but hasn't been accused of any wrongdoing. The Loudoun County Sheriff's office is working with the FBI and Dominican National Police. Surveillance footage shows Konanki and Ribe walking toward the beach around 4:15 a.m. Ribe gave conflicting accounts of what happened after they were alone on the beach, including claims of vomiting, passing out, and seeing Konanki walking along the shore before he lost consciousness. Dominican police haven't confirmed foul play but are re-interviewing Konanki's travel companions and hotel staff. Konanki's father suspects kidnapping, as her body hasn't been found. The investigation is being led by a high-level commission of local and US agencies, including the FBI.