Frustration Mounts as Search for Missing Pitt Student Enters Second Week; Key Witness Seeks Release

The Dominican Republic remains gripped by the ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 22-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who vanished during a spring break trip to Punta Cana. As the search enters its 11th day, the focus is increasingly shifting to the legal predicament of Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old from Iowa who is considered a key witness in the case. Riibe’s attorneys have filed a writ of habeas corpus, seeking to end what they describe as his "de facto house arrest" at the Riu Republica resort, the very location where Konanki was last seen.

The disappearance of Konanki has cast a shadow over the popular tourist destination, with authorities conducting extensive searches by land, air, and sea. The fact that Riibe, despite not being named a suspect or charged with any crime, has been effectively confined to the resort and subjected to constant police surveillance has ignited controversy and raised questions about the legality of his detention.

Riibe, a student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, was reportedly seen on the same video surveillance footage as Konanki shortly before she disappeared at the resort. This connection has made him a crucial point of contact for investigators, who are desperately trying to piece together the events leading up to Konanki’s vanishing.

According to Dominican news outlet Sin Noticias, Riibe’s attorneys submitted the writ of habeas corpus on Monday. The legal maneuver is aimed at challenging the legality of Riibe’s continued detention, arguing that it violates Dominican law, which typically limits detention without charges to 48 hours. A source confirmed to Fox News Digital that a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

The situation has drawn the attention of both Dominican and U.S. officials. Fox News Digital reached out to both entities for comment, but neither provided a statement before publication.

Riibe’s family has expressed outrage over his treatment, issuing a strongly worded statement criticizing the conditions of his detention. His parents, Albert and Tina Riibe, stated that their son has been "detained under irregular conditions and subjected to extensive questioning without the presence of official translators or legal counsel until Wednesday, March 12." They further claimed that he has been repeatedly taken to the police station since March 6 for lengthy interrogations.

The Riibe family highlighted the difficulties their son faced during questioning, emphasizing the lack of proper legal representation and translation services in the initial stages. The statement also asserts that his passport has been confiscated, preventing him from returning home.

The situation has created a sense of urgency within the family, prompting them to retain legal counsel to protect their son’s rights and ensure his safety throughout the ongoing investigation. The family statement underscores their belief that Riibe has been fully cooperative with authorities and that his continued detention is unwarranted.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce addressed the situation on Monday when questioned about the legality of Riibe’s detention and whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a position on the matter. Bruce remained tight-lipped, citing privacy concerns and the complexities of diplomatic relations.

When asked specifically about Riibe’s access to consular services, Bruce offered a cryptic response, stating, "I think all of us have a right to speak and be known." She reiterated the department’s policy of not discussing private cases, particularly those involving diplomatic relationships between countries.

Riibe’s attorneys have also declined to comment on the case, further adding to the air of mystery surrounding the situation.

Meanwhile, some legal experts believe authorities are justified in keeping Riibe in the Dominican Republic, citing inconsistencies in his statements and the lack of a clear explanation for Konanki’s disappearance. Jonathan Hatami, a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles, explained to Fox News that investigators are likely keeping Riibe in the Dominican Republic due to inconsistencies in his accounts. Hatami emphasized the importance of thorough investigations, especially when a young person is missing, stating that these investigations don’t often conclude quickly.

Hatami stated that the fact that Riibe was the last known person to see Konanki alive warrants further scrutiny, despite the concerns regarding his detention.

According to a transcript obtained by Fox News, Riibe has stated that he last saw Konanki on the beach after they were both pulled offshore by a strong current. He claimed that after struggling back to shore, he saw her walking away in knee-deep water, after which he vomited and fell asleep on a chair.

The filing of the writ of habeas corpus was not unexpected, as Riibe was originally scheduled to return to the United States last week. However, with Konanki still missing and Riibe remaining a key witness, his departure was blocked, and his legal team is now challenging the legality of his continued detention. The outcome of Tuesday’s hearing could significantly impact the course of the investigation and determine whether Riibe will be allowed to return home or remain in the Dominican Republic as the search for Sudiksha Konanki continues. The entire ordeal has created an international incident, raising serious questions about individual rights, international law and the relationship between the United States and the Dominican Republic. The urgency surrounding Konanki’s disappearance is only heightened by the legal limbo in which Riibe finds himself.