American believed to be last person to see missing U.S. student left the Dominican Republic
The Hindu
Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud University in Minnesota who is believed to be the last person to see missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic, left the Caribbean country on March 19, 2025, his lawyers said.
Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud University in Minnesota who is believed to be the last person to see missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic, left the Caribbean country on Wednesday (March 19, 2025), his lawyers said.
Following a trial exceeding five hours, Judge Edwin Rijo ruled Wednesday that Mr. Riibe, classified as a witness in a disappearance case, should have full rights under Dominican law and unrestricted freedom of movement.
It was not immediately clear where Mr. Riibe traveled after leaving the Dominican Republic.
According to a statement from Guzmán Ariza, Abogados Consultores, the law firm representing the Riibe family, the La Altagracia prosecutor's office offered to return Joshua's passport. “While appreciating the offer, Joshua opted to obtain a new passport from the U.S. consulate for privacy reasons, which was expedited,” the law firm said.
Mr. Riibe had been detained by Dominican police, but on Tuesday judge Rijo ordered his release, saying he could cooperate with authorities without being detained. He was not named as a suspect.
According to the transcript of an interview with prosecutors, reported by Dominican media as well as NBC and Telemundo, Mr. Riibe told police he was drinking with Mr. Konanki on the beach and they were kissing in the ocean when they got caught in a current. Mr. Riibe said he was a former lifeguard and helped bring her ashore.
Also read | Parents of missing Indian student Sudiksha Konanki ask Dominican officials to declare daughter dead: reports
Macron cautioned Zelenskyy that the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees.
A Canadian national was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border for using a fake immigration stamp on his passport.
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.
U.S. reduces work permit validity for refugees and asylum seekers to 18 months, citing public safety concerns following recent violence.
U.S. plans to expand travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries, says Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.