Dominican attorney general grills witness in missing American case at his resort in person

The top prosecutor in the Dominican Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, personally questioned Iowa 22-year-old Joshua Riibe at his hotel in Punta Cana for hours on Saturday. Riibe is the lone publicly known eyewitness in the case of the disappearance of Virginia 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki.

Reynoso, the Dominican attorney general, wrapped up a week that included multiple interviews by grilling Riibe in person. The interviews involved detectives from several agencies, such as La Policia Nacional and detectives from Loudoun County, Virginia, Konanki’s hometown.

Despite multiple requests for comment, Reynoso’s office did not provide any response. Riibe and Reynoso’s team were observed going in and out of a room at the Riu Republica hotel for several hours on Saturday evening. His lawyers later confirmed that he was being questioned by the AG herself.

While Riibe has not been named a suspect, nor has any crime been alleged, authorities have described him as a “key element” in the missing person investigation. He has been joined in the country by his parents. Riibe, Konanki and their friends were staying at the resort for spring break.

Sudiksha Konanki search teams on the Riu Republica Resort beaches in the Dominican Republic

A drone flies overhead as local authorities search for missing college student Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Santiago Baez for Fox News Digital)

Riibe, according to a leaked transcript of one of his police interviews obtained by Fox News, told police that he and Konanki were struck by a strong wave and swept offshore. They battled the current, and he brought her back to land. Then he said he last saw her walking away in knee-deep water toward her belongings, as he threw up and then fell asleep on a beach chair

When he woke up, she was gone, he said. 

The same resort saw four European tourists drown in one incident in January. Their remains were all recovered within 48 hours.

Sudiksha Konanki search teams on the Riu Republica Resort beaches in the Dominican Republic

Local authorities search for Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Friday. (Fox News Digital)

The search for Konanki has expanded up the coastline, involving hundreds of personnel, helicopters, planes, boats, dive teams, K9s and drones, including new AI-equipped models.

“Above all, we wish to contribute to the search efforts and understand the anguish and uncertainty they are going through, and we share the hope that Sudiksha will be found as soon as possible,” Riibe’s parents said Friday. “Joshua Riibe is deeply dismayed by her disappearance and has fully cooperated in the search and clarification of the facts from the very beginning.”

You May Also Like
Glamorous model who's had over 25 cosmetic surgeries reveals the common procedures you should NEVER get... but can you guess her age?

Discover the age of a glamorous model with over 25 cosmetic surgeries and learn about the procedures you should avoid at all costs. Can you guess how old she is?

Sandra Lena Silverman knows a thing or two about cosmetic surgery. The Miami-based…
Critics finally reveal what they think of Snow White as first reviews of Disney's woke remake are released

“First Reviews of Disney’s Woke Remake of Snow White: What Critics Have to Say”

The first reviews of the new Snow White film were released on…
Kim Kardashian left distraught as ex Kanye West drags their daughter North, 11, into Diddy scandal

Kim Kardashian is upset as former partner Kanye West involves their 11-year-old daughter, North, in Diddy controversy

Kim Kardashian has been left distraught as her ex-husband Kanye West drags their…
Altoona Police arresting Luigi Mangione gave him a sneaky snack to get his DNA: lawyer

Altoona Police tricked Luigi Mangione with a snack to obtain his DNA, claims lawyer

Luigi Mangione from Pennsylvania found himself in a surprising situation when the…
Female Georgia dentist from wealthy coastal enclave accused of killing boyfriend

Wealthy female dentist from Georgia’s affluent coastal community accused of boyfriend’s murder

In Gainesville, a suburban town northeast of Atlanta, a dentist who practices…
Washington man accused of having enough fentanyl to kill 278,000 people after getting clemency from Dem gov

Washington man allegedly possessing a lethal amount of fentanyl following pardon from Democratic governor

A Washington man arrested on nearly a dozen drug and weapons charges…
Heartwarming reason this perfectly healthy dog developed a fake limp

Touching story behind why this completely healthy dog feigned a limp

An adorable dog has developed a ‘fake limp’ to show sympathy with…
Truth behind America's most unlikely love story: Why I married a face transplant survivor... and am ready for more

The real story behind an unlikely love affair in America: How I embraced a face transplant survivor and am open to a future together

For Jessica DiMeo, it was one of the most uncomfortable evenings she’d…
Pope Francis shares health update as he issues traditional Sunday prayer from his hospital bed

Update on Pope Francis’ Health as He Delivers Sunday Prayer from Hospital Bed

Pope Francis said in his latest Sunday prayer, issued from his hospital bed,…
IRS workers 'paralyzed' by DOGE's massive cuts claim Elon Musk's budget busters are reshaping the agency

Elon Musk’s spending cuts are causing major changes at the IRS as employees feel overwhelmed by DOGE’s impact

Employees at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are reportedly overwhelmed during tax…
Michigan judge's order for Walmart shoplifters to wash cars squashed by his boss

Michigan Judge’s Directive for Walmart Shoplifters to Clean Cars Overruled by Superior Officer

A Michigan judge sought to have Walmart shoplifters offer free car washes…
OPINION: Political Lessons From President George W. Bush (Part III)

Analyzing the Politics of George W. Bush: Key Takeaways (Part 3)

Surrendering on the Political Battlefield President Bush made a significant error by…