The case of the key witness in the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudikasha Konanki during spring break has been officially closed by a judge in the Dominican Republic.
Judge Edwin Rijo issued a full written sentence on Friday, outlining the legal rationale behind the decision to grant the habeas corpus motion for 22-year-old Joshua Steven Ribe, thereby officially bringing the case against him to a close.
The statement clarified that the detailed judgment does not represent a new ruling, as the original decision made at the conclusion of the March 17 hearing was immediately valid and enforceable.
A Dominican Republic judge ruled in favor of Riibe’s writ of habeas corpus, giving him the ability to move freely within the country until his March 28 hearing.
Sudiksha Konanki’s parents speak out after her daughter’s death. (FOX 5 DC)
Her parents, in a letter to Dominican authorities, asked for her to be declared dead on Monday, March 17, citing the lack of evidence of foul play and Riibe’s continued cooperation with investigators.
“Our firm remains committed to upholding due process and the constitutional guarantees established under Article 69 of our Constitution,” a representative from Guzmán Ariza shared in a press release. “This ruling reinforces these fundamental principles and strengthens confidence in the justice system of the Dominican Republic.”
“This favorable outcome was achieved through the dedication and tireless efforts of our legal team. Guzmán Ariza remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rule of law, ensuring nationals and foreign citizens alike can trust in the protection of their fundamental rights in the Dominican Republic.”
Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz, Greg Wehner, Mara Robles, and Bryan Llenas contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
