Missing American in Dominican Republic: What's next for witness Joshua Riibe after court ruling

In the case of Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance during spring break in Punta Cana, the key witness Joshua Riibe successfully argued in a local Dominican court that his confinement at a luxurious resort against his will was not in compliance with local regulations.

Despite being granted permission to return to the United States, Dominican officials have not yet returned his passport. He may opt to pursue legal avenues to retrieve it or request a temporary replacement from the U.S. embassy.

Riibe, aged 22, is believed to have been one of the last individuals to have interacted with Konanki, aged 20, before she went missing on March 6 from the beach adjacent to their shared accommodation, the Riu Republica in Punta Cana.

He successfully argued in court Tuesday that as a witness, not a suspect, police control over his movements over an 11-day span was unlawful. A source told Fox News Wednesday that Riibe checked out of the Riu Republica resort and moved last night. 

Spring breakers enjoy the beach Sudiksha Konanki went missing on at the RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

People enjoy time on the beach at the RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Thursday, March 13, 2025. Sudiksha Konanki, 20, was last seen on a beach outside the five-star RIU Republica Resort in the Dominican Republic on March 6, 2025. (Santiago Baez for Fox News Digital)

Authorities have not called Riibe a suspect and have not accused him of wrongdoing, but in a hearing that repeatedly devolved into screaming between prosecutors and Riibe’s attorneys, the government unsuccessfully sought to have his constant monitoring kept in place.

The judge sided with Riibe, finding his situation unlawful.

The judge told him to return for a hearing on March 28, but according to one expert, it’s a formality, and he doesn’t actually have to appear in person. 

You May Also Like
Louisiana governor blasts 'progressive promises' after New Orleans jail escape

Louisiana governor criticizes ‘liberal pledges’ following escape from New Orleans prison

A jailbreak occurred in New Orleans where seven prisoners managed to escape,…
Lip reader reveals EXACTLY what Pedro Pascal said to Joaquin Phoenix after co-star's inadvertent offensive salute

What Pedro Pascal said to Joaquin Phoenix after co-star’s unintentional offensive gesture, as revealed by lip reader

A lip reader has revealed what Pedro Pascal told Joaquin Phoenix after…
Joe Biden breaks silence on devastating prostate cancer diagnosis

Joe Biden speaks out about his tragic prostate cancer diagnosis

Joe Biden, 82, spoke out for the first time since his cancer…
‘The Rehearsal’ Season 2 Episode 5 Forces Nathan Fielder to Reckon With the Reality He Might Be Autistic In Real Life

“Nathan Fielder Faces the Possibility of being Autistic in ‘The Rehearsal’ Season 2 Episode 5”

In Season 2 Episode 5 of “The Rehearsal” titled “Washington,” Nathan Fielder…
Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone

Joe Biden diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to the bones

Former President Joe Biden, 82, was diagnosed with an ‘aggressive form’ of…
Our Chicago: Student loan debt, default and Donald Trump administration's efforts to collect

Exploring Student Loan Debt and Default in Chicago Amid Trump Administration’s Collection Efforts

CHICAGO (WLS) — For five years, Americans with federal student loans didn’t…
UK, Europe strike post-Brexit deal on defense, trade issues

UK and Europe reach agreement on defense and trade post-Brexit

The United Kingdom and the European Union finalized a significant agreement on…
Great Scottie! Scheffler pulls away to win PGA Championship for 3rd major title

Scheffler Dominates to Secure PGA Championship Victory for Third Major Title

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Scottie Scheffler had every reason to worry the PGA…
Alaska Man Monday - Moose Births, Martial Arts, and a New Shootin' Iron

Exciting Monday in Alaska: Moose Deliveries, Martial Arts, and New Firearms

Here’s an interesting thing you may not have expected: Martial arts may…
Chicago Beyoncé concert at Soldier Field: Night 3 of concerts wraps up Chicago shows for 'COWBOY CARTER' tour 2025

Concluding Night 3: Beyoncé’s ‘COWBOY CARTER’ Tour 2025 Wraps Up Chicago Shows at Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicagoans were ready for one last yee haw. Sunday…
Barack and Michelle Obama react to Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis

Barack and Michelle Obama respond to news of Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis

Barack Obama extended his sympathies to Joe Biden after learning about his…
Kanye West is savaged as Mike Myers returns to Saturday Night Live to recreate THAT awkward TV moment

Kanye West mocked on Saturday Night Live as Mike Myers recreates infamous TV moment

Mike Myers, known for his time on Saturday Night Live, made a…