The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who vanished in Punta Cana, have formally requested that Dominican authorities declare their daughter legally deceased.
“Given these circumstances, and after much deliberation, we request that the police department proceed with the legal declaration of her death,” her parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki, wrote in a letter to officials. Investigators suspect she drowned, with no evidence of foul play.
Konanki, an Indian citizen and U.S. permanent resident, was reported missing on March 6 while vacationing in the Dominican Republic with six friends. She was last seen around 4:50 a.m. on the beach near the Riu Republica Resort. Authorities believe she likely drowned in the ocean, but despite extensive search efforts, her body has not been found.
A hotel spokesperson confirmed that red flag warnings were in place that night, signaling dangerous currents and high waves.
Dominican National Police spokesman Diego Pesqueira acknowledged receiving the Konanki family’s request for a declaration of death. “Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence,” the parents wrote, expressing hope for closure.
Meanwhile, a hearing for 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, the last person to see Konanki alive, was scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. local time. The Iowa native and St. Cloud State University student remains in custody, petitioning for release. His attorney argues that he has been confined to the hotel since the investigation began, escorted by police at all times, despite not facing any charges.
Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman, in Virginia—where Konanki’s family resides—told CNN that Riibe had been “very forthright” in his statements, with no inconsistencies.
On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office stated that the Konanki family “has expressed their belief that she drowned” and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting them while Dominican authorities make a final decision.
