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Passport Returning to Witness After College Student’s Disappearance in Dominican Republic
Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student from Minnesota, will have his passport returned to him on Thursday, according to a source within the prosecutor’s office. Riibe was present with Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, on the night she went missing during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic.
While he is not considered a suspect in Konanki’s disappearance, Riibe had his passport and cellphone confiscated as part of the investigation process over the past week.
On Wednesday, Riibe’s legal representatives confirmed efforts were underway to secure a new U.S. passport for him through the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, which would allow him to leave the country.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy stated they are in contact with Riibe and providing necessary consular support.
During a habeas corpus hearing earlier this week, a Dominican judge determined that Riibe can move freely within the country without police supervision, as he is viewed solely as a witness, not a suspect. However, the judge indicated he lacks jurisdiction to return Riibe’s passport.
In court, Riibe expressed his desire to return home. He remarked, “I can’t go anywhere. And I really want to be able to go home, talk to my family, give them hugs, tell them I miss them. I understand I’m here to help, but it’s been 10 days and I can’t leave.”
If the U.S. Embassy issues him a new passport, he will have the means to depart the Dominican Republic.
MORE: Parents of missing Pittsburgh student ask Dominican police to declare her dead
Riibe stated he is eager to return to his normal life, reiterating his readiness to return home.
Authorities have indicated their belief that Konanki tragically drowned in Punta Cana on March 6. Riibe shared with prosecutors that he and Konanki had been swimming together and were subsequently caught by a wave, pulled further into the ocean.
Riibe reported that despite his efforts to keep Konanki afloat, he struggled to breathe and ultimately inhaled a substantial amount of water.
After reaching the shoreline, Riibe recalled that Konanki attempted to gather her belongings, but the water still reached her knees as she walked in an unstable manner along the beach.
He described his last interaction with her, saying, “The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was OK. I didn’t hear her response because I began to vomit with all the water I had swallowed. After vomiting, I looked around and I didn’t see anything. I thought she had taken her things and left.”
MORE: Missing Univ. of Pittsburgh student believed to have died by drowning in Dominican Republic
Following the incident, Riibe stated he lost consciousness on a beach chair and woke several hours later before returning to his hotel room.
Konanki’s family has formally requested Dominican authorities to declare her deceased, highlighting the emotional distress they are experiencing during this time.
Late on Tuesday, Dominican authorities announced they are significantly reducing search and rescue operations connected to this case.
A full ruling regarding potential charges against Riibe is set to be delivered by the judge on March 28.
Man seen with missing Pittsburgh student will receive passport back, prosecutors say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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