Nearly two weeks after University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki went missing in Punta Cana, her parents have formally requested that Dominican authorities declare her deceased, according to a FOX News report.
Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki are not challenging the account given by Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Minnesota student believed to be the last person to see their daughter alive.
“Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned,” her parents wrote in the letter, posted online by FOX News. “Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen. The individual last seen with her is cooperating with the investigation, and no evidence of foul play has been found.”
“Given these circumstances, and after much deliberation, we request that the police department proceed with the legal declaration of her death,” the letter read, according to the report. “We understand that certain legal procedures must be followed and are prepared to comply with any necessary formalities or documentation.”
Konanki, 20, disappeared on March 6 after heading to the beach around 4:15 a.m. with a group. Most returned by 6 a.m., leaving her alone with Riibe, who came back several hours later without her.
Riibe, who has been detained by Dominican police, claims he and Konanki were drinking and kissing in waist-deep water when a strong wave pulled them out to sea. He says he managed to swim them both back to shore.
While not named a suspect, Riibe remains in custody. His attorney requested his release on Monday, with a judge expected to rule on the matter Tuesday.
