The family friends of Joshua Riibe, a crucial witness in the Sudiksha Konanki missing case, have confirmed the strong support of their community. The statement was released on Sunday evening.
Konanki, a 20-year-old from Virginia, disappeared after being last spotted strolling along the beach near the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on March 6, as per officials.
Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old from Iowa and the only witness known so far, has been extensively interrogated by authorities from different departments to shed light on Konanki’s vanishing. He was the final individual seen accompanying Konanki during their spring break stay at the resort with their friends.
Friends of the Riibe family released a statement affirming their support for the college student, who has been described as a “key element” in the missing person investigation. He has not been named a suspect, nor has any crime been alleged.

Local authorities search for missing U.S. student, Sudiksha Konanki, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Friday, March 14, 2025. (Fox News Digital)
Riibe has been joined in the Dominican Republic by his parents.
Authorities revealed Saturday that his passport had been confiscated.