Person of Interest in Sudiksha Konanki Case Free to Leave Dominican Republic
The person of interest in the case of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has been granted permission to leave the Dominican Republic and return to the United States.
A judge ruled on Tuesday that Joshua Riibe, the last known person to see Konanki before her March 6 disappearance, is now free to exit the island nation after being held for 10 days by authorities in Punta Cana.
Riibe’s Court Plea: “I Really Want to Go Home”
During an hours-long court hearing, Riibe pleaded with the judge, expressing his frustration over being unable to return home. According to Noticias SIN, a Dominican news station, Riibe stated:
“I really want to be able to go home, talk to my family, give them hugs, tell them I miss them.”
He also acknowledged the importance of cooperating with authorities but emphasized that his detention had lasted too long:
“I understand I’m here to help, but it’s been 10 days and I can’t leave.”
Riibe Has Not Been Charged, Lawyers Claim Illegal Detention
Despite widespread speculation surrounding his involvement, Riibe has not been charged with a crime. His legal team successfully argued that he was being illegally detained without sufficient grounds.
