The family of Sudiksha Konanki has asked the Dominican Police to make a formal declaration of death. In a letter to the Police (Criminal Investigations Department – Dicrim) they accept the conclusion of the investigators in the case that their daughter has most likely drowned. They previously had asked the Police to widen the investigation beyond the search at sea. Dominican Tourist Police, Police Criminal Department investigators, the attorney general of the country, the provincial prosecutor and US FBI agents and two detectives from the Loudon County Sheriff office have participated in the ongoing investigations.
The letter addressed to Jose del C. Ramirez de la Rosa, of the Dicrim (Police Investigation Department) requests the legal declaration of death for their daughter.
The letter states:
“We, Subbarayudu Konan[k]i and StreeDevi Konanki, the parents of Sudiksha Konanki, respectfully request the legal declaration of death for our beloved daughter, Sudiksha, a 20-year old student at the University of Pittsburgh, tragically went missing on March 6, 2025, during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
“Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned. Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen. The individual last seen with her is cooperating with the investigation, and no evidence of foul play has been found.
“Given these circumstances, and after much deliberation, we request that the police department proceed with the legal declaration of her death. We understand that certain legal procedures must be followed and are prepared to comply with any necessary formalities or documentation.
“Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence. While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.
“We appreciate your attention to this deeply painful matter and are grateful for your support. Should you require any further information or documentation, please contact us.”
The last person who was with her, 22-year old US student Joshua Steven Riibe said the mother of Konanki had hugged him and thanked him for his efforts at saving her a first time. Riibe has declared he was in the ocean with her when a wave swept them. The hotel had posted a red flag indicating swimming was not allowed on the beach.
Riibe said he rescued Konanki from the wave and the last time he saw her she was walking to shore. He said he had swallowed lots of water and when getting to shore he vomited and then feel asleep, assuming she had also made it out. Her whereabouts are unknown. Both had been drinking heavily that evening and there is a video showing both vomiting at a hotel lobby bar.
Konanki went missing on 6 March at dawn. The police report was not made until around 4pm. The report led to an unprecedented widespread search by the local authorities. Helicopters, sea boats, jet skis, drones were used to span the ocean. Canine units, Civil Defense, firefighter drowning units, criminal investigation police, and navy staff were sent to the area. An estimated 300 people were involved in the search at its peak.
The Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso herself traveled to Punta Cana and reportedly spent six hours questioning and recreating the scene of the disappearance of Konanki. On Monday, 17 March, the prosecutor for La Altagracia province carried out follow-up questioning.
President Luis Abinader in his weekly press conference on 17 March 2025 had stated that he was “preoccupied and occupied” in the efforts to find the young woman.
Jessica Hasbun of Noticias SIN said that her sources indicated the local investigations were readying to wrap up the case as an accidental tragedy.
In the meanwhile, the legal defense of Riibe had requested his full release. While just deemed a witness in the case, or person of interest, he was not allowed to leave the Riu Republica on his own, and when visiting public areas was accompanied by Tourism Police (Politur). He said he had collaborated fully with the authorities and was requesting to be allowed to return to his home. At the court hearing for his release from custody, he was accompanied by his father and lawyers. The cost of his extended stay, reportedly was covered by the Attorney General Office.
Diario Libre, Noticias SIN and El Caribe say several steps are needed for the local authorities to issue the death declaration when there is not yet a corpse.
Read more:
Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Diario Libre
Noticias SIN
N Digital
EL Caribe
CBS
19 March 2025