Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, was detained once again while attempting to return to the United States—this time in Puerto Rico—due to issues with his travel documents.
The 22-year-old from Iowa was stopped by airport officials at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport while trying to board a connecting flight home. Authorities flagged his paperwork because his temporary travel documents from the Dominican Republic had not been properly stamped, according to local news outlet Noticias Sin.
Riibe’s father, Albert, appeared visibly frustrated as he spoke to reporters at the airport. “I’m just a dad who had his son taken away… We just spent two weeks trying to stay together,” he said, addressing the cameras.
This delay comes just after a Dominican judge granted Riibe permission to leave the country. Following a nearly five-hour hearing on Tuesday, Judge Elvis Delgado ruled that Riibe was free to return home.
Previously, Dominican authorities had confiscated his passport and restricted his movement while repeatedly questioning him about Konanki’s disappearance. During the hearing, Riibe expressed his desire to return home, saying, “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 ten days and I can’t leave,” as reported by Noticias SIN.
Although Riibe has been named a person of interest in the case by authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia—where Konanki’s family resides—he has not been charged with any crime. Additionally, Dominican officials have not officially labeled him a suspect.
The Night of Konanki’s Disappearance
Sudiksha Konanki, 20, was last seen at approximately 4:15 a.m. on March 6, when surveillance footage captured her walking toward the beach at the RIU Hotel and Resort in Punta Cana. She was on a spring break trip with friends, and security cameras showed her linking arms with Riibe as part of a group heading toward the water, according to The Mirror US.
The majority of the group was seen leaving the beach around 5:55 a.m., but Riibe was later spotted returning to his hotel room alone—without Konanki. In recent days, her grieving parents have requested that authorities officially declare their daughter deceased, stating that they believe she drowned in the rough ocean waves that morning. They also emphasized that they do not suspect Riibe of any wrongdoing.
“Both sides of the authorities have shown us how high the ocean waves were at the time of the incident, and both sides have clarified that the person of interest was never a suspect,” said her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, in a statement to The New York Post.
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned,” he added.
Riibe’s Account of That Night
Riibe, a student at St. Cloud State College in Minnesota, told investigators that he and Konanki had been drinking on the beach and kissing in waist-deep water when a strong tide swept them further out to sea. As a former lifeguard, Riibe claimed he managed to pull Konanki back to shore, but after becoming exhausted and vomiting, he assumed she had gathered her belongings and left. He later expressed shock upon learning that she was missing.
However, private investigator T.J. Ward, who worked on high-profile missing cases such as Natalie Holloway’s in 2005, does not believe Konanki drowned.
“I don’t believe that she drowned. I think something else happened,” Ward told News Nation Now. “It’s way too early. I don’t believe she drowned.” Ward has offered to assist Konanki’s family as a private investigator.
“This case is going to stay active until they find some evidence to move forward,” he said. “I think something else happened.”
Investigation and Riibe’s Detention
Dominican officials have questioned over 50 people in connection with the case but maintain that Riibe was never officially detained, only questioned as a witness.
Riibe’s father has voiced frustration over the long investigation. “Enough,” he reportedly told the judge. “It’s been 12 days.”
Judge Delgado ultimately granted Riibe permission to leave, stating, “The law is the law.”
As the search for Konanki continues, her family remains focused on finding answers while trying to come to terms with their heartbreaking loss.
LUCK OF 12 ZODIAC SIGNS IN 2025
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – New opportunities arise, but impulsive decisions may backfire.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Passionate encounters, but patience is needed for long-term stability.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good for investments, but avoid reckless spending.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Energy levels fluctuate; balance work and rest.
Lucky Days: Tuesday, Friday
Lucky Colors: Red, White
Lucky Numbers: 9, 11, 22
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Steady growth, recognition for past efforts.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Romantic stability, but minor misunderstandings.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Favorable time for long-term investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Watch out for stress-related issues.
Lucky Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Lucky Colors: Green, Pink
Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 24
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Changes ahead, adaptability is key.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Exciting new connections and deepening bonds.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Be cautious with risky investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good, but maintain a consistent routine.
Lucky Days: Monday, Thursday
Lucky Colors: Yellow, Blue
Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 14
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Challenges ahead, but perseverance pays off.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Emotional growth, deepening connections.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Be mindful of unnecessary expenses.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Prioritize mental well-being.
Lucky Days: Sunday, Monday
Lucky Colors: Silver, White
Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 16
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Recognition, success, and leadership growth.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Charisma attracts new possibilities.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Profitable ventures, but avoid extravagance.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
Lucky Days: Sunday, Wednesday
Lucky Colors: Gold, Orange
Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 19
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Attention to detail brings success.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Avoid overanalyzing relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Smart budgeting leads to stability.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Strong health, but avoid overworking.
Lucky Days: Wednesday, Friday
Lucky Colors: Navy, Beige
Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 23
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Smooth collaborations and partnerships.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Romance is thriving, commitment strengthens.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good fortune in negotiations.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Maintain balance in lifestyle choices.
Lucky Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Lucky Colors: Pink, Blue
Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 18
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Strategic moves lead to promotions.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Passionate and intense love life.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent for wealth accumulation.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Focus on emotional well-being.
Lucky Days: Monday, Thursday
Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Red
Lucky Numbers: 8, 13, 21
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Unexpected changes, adaptability is key.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Exciting adventures and new relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good time for travel-related investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Stay active to maintain high energy.
Lucky Days: Thursday, Sunday
Lucky Colors: Purple, Turquoise
Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 12
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Hard work brings rewards.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Take time to nurture relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent financial management skills.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Avoid work-related stress.
Lucky Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Lucky Colors: Dark Green, Brown
Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 22
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Innovation brings success.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Avoid overthinking relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good time for smart investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Prioritize mental health.
Lucky Days: Wednesday, Sunday
Lucky Colors: Blue, Silver
Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 29
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Creativity leads to success.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Soulful connections deepen.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good financial stability.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Stay hydrated and avoid stress.
Lucky Days: Thursday, Monday
Lucky Colors: Sea Green, Lavender
Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 18