Missing American college student seen in new hotel security footage before disappearance

The disappearance of 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic has sparked widespread concern and a sprawling investigation. Recently released security footage obtained by local news outlets provides a glimpse into her final moments before she vanished. Konanki, who was staying at the RIU Republica hotel in Punta Cana, was last seen with 22-year-old Joshua Riibe of Iowa around 4:50 a.m. on March 6. The two had been out drinking with friends at the hotel before heading to the beach, despite a red-flag warning indicating dangerous swimming conditions.

The security footage, captured by cameras at the hotel bar and lobby, shows Konanki and Riibe together shortly before her disappearance. Konanki is seen wearing a white, sarong-style dress, which was later found on a beach chair by authorities. Riibe, who has been identified as a key witness in the case, has not been named as a suspect and has cooperated with police. According to his account, the pair decided to go for a swim during the red-flag conditions, and a large wave pulled them further out to sea. Riibe, a former lifeguard, described struggling to pull Konanki ashore and eventually losing sight of her after she walked away to retrieve her belongings while he vomited and passed out.

The timeline of events leading up to Konanki’s disappearance has been pieced together through surveillance footage and witness accounts. Around 4:15 a.m. on March 6, Konanki and a group of five friends, along with Riibe and another man, were seen on camera approaching the beach. While six of them returned around 6 a.m., Konanki and Riibe remained behind. Riibe returned alone around 10 a.m., and Konanki was nowhere to be found. Riibe has since sat for multiple police interviews, including one on March 12, during which he provided details about the incident. His account has been consistent with what he told detectives from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, who were dispatched to assist in the investigation.

Despite his cooperation, Riibe’s family has raised concerns about his treatment by Dominican authorities. His parents, Albert and Tina Riibe, issued a statement expressing their distress over his detention under what they describe as “irregular conditions.” They allege that Riibe has been subjected to extensive questioning without proper legal representation or translators until March 12. His parents emphasize that Riibe is not a suspect and has fully cooperated with the investigation. They also expressed their solidarity with Konanki’s family, sharing their hope for her safe return and acknowledging the anguish both families are enduring.

The search for Konanki has now entered its second week, with no suspects identified and few leads. The Dominican Republic authorities are leading the investigation, with assistance from U.S. officials. Konanki’s disappearance has drawn attention to safety concerns at the RIU Republica hotel, with some guests sharing their own experiences of incidents at the resort. However, the hotel has denied any connection to Konanki’s disappearance, stating that the property is safe and secure.

As the investigation continues, the University of Pittsburgh and the local community have rallied around Konanki’s family, offering support and hoping for her safe return. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with traveling abroad and the importance of heeding safety warnings, especially in coastal areas with unpredictable conditions. For now, both families and authorities remain focused on uncovering the truth and bringing Konanki home.