Joshua Admits Kissing Sudiksha Before Tragedy – What Really Happened?

By Isla Robertson · Mar 15, 2025

Joshua Admits Kissing Sudiksha Before Tragedy – What Really Happened?

 

 

 

The mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh biology major, during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has left investigators and her family searching for answers. The last person to see her, 24-year-old Joshua Riibe, has now admitted to sharing an intimate moment with her just before the tragedy unfolded.

Timeline of Events Leading to Sudiksha's Disappearance

March 6, 2025 – The Night of the Incident

  • 4:15 AM: CCTV footage from the RIU Hotel and Resort shows Sudiksha and Joshua walking arm-in-arm with a group of friends.

  • 4:30 AM: The pair reportedly leave the group and walk toward the beach together.

  • 4:45 AM: Joshua later told investigators that they entered the ocean together, talked, and shared a kiss.

  • Around 5:00 AM: A strong wave allegedly pulled both into deeper waters. Joshua, a former high school wrestling champion and experienced swimmer, said he struggled to bring Sudiksha back to shore.

  • 5:15 AM: Joshua stated that after he reached land, he turned to see Sudiksha walking out of the water before he collapsed from exhaustion. When he regained consciousness, she was gone.

  • Morning Hours: Joshua returned to his hotel room and later told others that Sudiksha had disappeared.

Joshua Admits Kissing Sudiksha Before Tragedy – What Really Happened?

Key Statements from Joshua Riibe

During police questioning, Joshua provided details about the last moments he spent with Sudiksha but refused to answer eight crucial questions, including:

  • Did Sudiksha call for help?

  • Could she swim?

  • Why didn’t he immediately report her missing?

His lawyer advised him to remain silent on certain aspects of the case.

Investigation and Search Efforts

  • Police Divers and Coast Guard units have conducted multiple search operations around the beach area where Sudiksha was last seen. Despite extensive efforts, her body has not been recovered.

  • Authorities suspect drowning, but Sudiksha’s family believes foul play or even abduction could be possibilities.

  • The case has raised security concerns in Punta Cana, with calls for greater safety measures for tourists.

Joshua Admits Kissing Sudiksha Before Tragedy – What Really Happened?

Family's Plea for Further Investigation

Sudiksha’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has challenged the drowning theory, stating:

"If she was in water, she would likely have been found by now. The fact that she’s missing raises many questions. We want all possibilities investigated, including kidnapping."

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation

  • Why didn’t Joshua immediately seek help or report Sudiksha missing?

  • If Sudiksha drowned, why has her body not surfaced despite days of search efforts?

  • Could foul play or external involvement be factors?

Authorities continue to analyze hotel footage, conduct interviews, and review phone records as they piece together the events leading up to Sudiksha’s disappearance.

What Happens Next?

  • The Dominican police have not ruled out any possibilities, though their official stance remains that drowning is the likely cause.

  • Sudiksha’s family is pushing for international intervention and a more thorough investigation.

  • Joshua Riibe has not been charged, though investigators continue to scrutinize his statements.

The case remains open and unsolved, leaving Sudiksha’s family desperate for answers as the search for truth continues.