(KNSI) – The St. Cloud State University student considered a ‘person of interest’ in the case of a missing college student in the Dominican Republic was seen on the beach Sunday with authorities where the two were last reported to be.
Twenty-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, was seen on video around 4:15 a.m. March 6th at the Riu Republica resort, where she was staying with five friends. Riibe, surrounded by authorities, was seen pointing out toward the water and told investigators the two were standing in the surf in Punta Cana, “talking and kissing a little,” when they were hit by a wave, knocked off their feet and pulled out to sea. Riibe said the two were tossed around, and he used his training as a pool lifeguard to help her stand up and get out of the water. He contends the two made it back to shore before he passed out on the sand, and when he woke up, Konanki was gone. Riibe said he believed she returned to her room and was shocked to learn she was missing.
According to SCSU officials, Riibe enrolled in school in 2023 and is a senior majoring in land surveying and mapping sciences. His hometown is Rock Rapids, Iowa.
Dominican authorities have confiscated Riibe’s passport, and he is being held in his hotel while the investigation continues. Police have said Riibe is not a suspect but have not ruled out foul play.
The search for her body is ongoing.
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