The parents of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing on March 6, 2025, during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, have formally requested authorities to declare her legally deceased.
Sudiksha was last seen on a beach near the five-star RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana. In a March 17th letter to Jose Del C. Ramirez De La Rosa of the Dominican Republic’s Research Directorate, her parents, Subbarayudu Konanki and Sreedevi Konanki, residents of Chantilly, Virginia, requested an official “legal declaration of death,” for their daughter. The couple had recently returned from Punta Cana after participating in the search efforts. Sudiksha and her parents are Indian citizens, who hold permanent residency status in the United States.
The letter states that Dominican authorities believe Sudiksha drowned following an extensive investigation. Her clothes were reportedly found on a beach near where she was last seen, and the last person with her is cooperating with investigators. 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. We understand that certain legal procedures must be followed and are prepared to comply with any necessary formalities or documentation,” the letter added.
The Konanki family emphasized that initiating this process would help them begin grieving and handle legal matters related to Sudiksha’s disappearance.
“While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory,” the letter mentioned. “We appreciate your attention to this deeply painful matter and are grateful for your support.”
Loudoun County Delegate and Sheriff Respond
Loudoun County Delegate, JJ Singh, representing House District 26 at the Virginia House of Delegates told South Asian Herald, “My heart goes out to Sudiksha and her family. I wish them every comfort in this tragedy.”
On March 18th, Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman issued a statement addressing Sudiksha’s disappearance.
“The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling,” Chapman said. “We have supported them throughout to ensure a rigorous, wide-ranging investigation. We have also met personally with them and continue to provide emotional support through our Victim Advocate Unit.”
Sheriff Chapman noted that while the final decision on declaring Sudiksha deceased rests with Dominican authorities, Loudoun County officials will continue to support the Konanki family and review any available evidence. He also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dominican National Police for their efforts in the case.
Person of Interest Seeks Release
Meanwhile, attorneys for Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and a person of interest in the case, are demanding his release. Riibe has been confined to a hotel room under police surveillance for over a week as the search for Sudiksha continues.
His lawyers have filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing that he is being held under “irregular conditions,” without access to translators or legal counsel. His parents have also publicly criticized Dominican authorities for what they describe as unlawful detainment.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether Riibe will be released as the investigation continues.
Related posts:
‘Person of Interest’ Named in Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Investigation
University of Pittsburgh Student Sudiksha Konanki Presumed Drowned in the Dominican Republic; Investigation Underway
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam Calls for Community Support in Search for Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki
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