A Minnesota college student who was with University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki the night she disappeared in the Dominican Republic is seeking a new passport to return to the US, his lawyers confirmed.
Joshua Riibe, 22, has been unable to leave the country since Konanki went missing on March 6 during a spring break trip. While a Dominican judge ruled Tuesday that Riibe is free to move within the country, he has not been given back his passport, leaving his return uncertain.
“The US Embassy is in communication with Mr Riibe, his family, and his lawyer and is providing all appropriate consular assistance,” the US Embassy in the Dominican Republic told ABC News. Riibe’s legal team is working to obtain a new passport from the embassy to facilitate his return home.
Stranded and seeking answers
In court on Tuesday, Riibe expressed frustration over his situation.
“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,” he said. “I understand I’m here to help, but it’s been 10 days and I can’t leave.”
If issued a new passport by the US Embassy, Riibe would be able to depart the Dominican Republic.
The night Konanki disappeared
Authorities believe Konanki drowned in Punta Cana in the early hours of March 6. Riibe, who met her that night, told prosecutors they went swimming and kissed in the ocean before a strong wave pulled them into deeper waters.
According to a transcript from Dominican officials, Riibe said he held on to Konanki, ensuring she could breathe while struggling himself. After making it to shallow waters, Riibe said Konanki got up to retrieve her belongings but was still partially in the water.
“The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was OK,” he told prosecutors. “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.”
Riibe said he then passed out on a beach chair and woke up hours later before returning to his hotel.
Investigation and legal proceedings
Konanki’s family formally requested Dominican police to declare her deceased on Monday, sources confirmed. Meanwhile, authorities have significantly scaled back search-and-rescue operations.
A judge is set to issue a final ruling on March 28 regarding whether Riibe will face any charges. Until then, he remains in legal limbo, awaiting a decision that could determine his return to the US.