Joshua Riibe, the man who believed he was the last person who saw Sudiksha Konanki, who disappeared in the Dominican Republic on March 6, broke his silence after the authorities seized his passport.
Last week, the Sheriff's Office of Loudoun County in Virginia, where Konanki is a biology student, told NBC News that US researchers had identified a person of interest.
Surveillance footage De Konanki showed the student of the arm lost with Riibe, while two women walked behind them when they left the building. Riibe, 22 years old, a university student from Minnesota, has now been “confined” to the Riu Republica in Punta Cana, where he was last seen with Konanki before she disappeared.
“The police permanently escort wherever he goes,” he is working on the Riibe law firm He told NBC Newsadding that “it is not free to leave.”
“I'm just trying to help them,” Riibe said in reference to the search for Konanki authorities. “The ocean is a dangerous place.”
Riibe, who has not been accused of any crime, told the authorities on March 12 that he spent time on the beach “kissing” Konanki before his disappearance, according to the transcription of the interview obtained by NBC News. (Global News has not independently seen transcription).
Riibe told local researchers that he and Konanki were “in water to the waist, speaking and kissing a little”, when a great wave crashed into them and dragged them both “to the sea,” according to transcription.
“I kept trying to breathe, but that did not allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water,” Riibe said.
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Riibe, a former lifeguard, told the researchers that he himself and Konanki returned to the coast safely.
“It took me a long time to get it, it was difficult,” Riibe told officials, according to transcription. “It was a lifeguard in the pool, not in the sea.
“When I finally got to the ground on the beach, I held it in front of me. He was not out of the water, he was even his knees and walked at an angle out of the water.
“The last time I saw her, I asked him if he was fine. I didn't hear his answer because I began to vomit all the sea water I had swallowed. ”
Riibe said that after vomiting he looked around and assumed that Konanki had left the beach.
“I looked around and I didn't see anyone. I thought she had grabbed things and left, ”he added.
A representative of the authorities of the Dominican Republic said in an update on March 14 that “Joshua Steven Riibe, who has been identified as a” person of interest “, remains in custody and is being questioned in the Unit of Gender Violence of the National Police for more information about the incident.”
“While the authorities consider Joshua Steven Riibe a key element in the investigation will remain in custody,” the notice said.
“We are using all our resources to thoroughly investigate the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki and understand the anguish that this case causes their family, Dominican and American citizens,” Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso Said March 12. “As with any disappearance that occurs under the circumstances of the case in question, we are applying a holistic research protocol that examines all variables.”
Surveillance images, released last week, shows Riibe leaving the beach area at 9:55 am, without Konanki signs. Riibe's family He told him at the local exit Wtae that his son is “deeply dismayed by Konanki's disappearance. They also said that Riibe” has fully cooperated in the search and clarification of the facts from the beginning. “
They said that their son has been “arrested in irregular conditions.”
“He has stayed in his hotel room under police surveillance and has been taken repeatedly to the police station since March 6, where he has been interrogated for long hours,” Riibe's parents said. “This situation has raised a serious concern within his family, which has led us to retain legal advisors to initiate legal actions that guarantee their safety and the protection of their rights throughout this process.
“Joshua is a last year student at the 22 -year -old University at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where he is looking for a title in land survey. He is a beloved son, brother and friend, known for his kind nature, sense of humor and commitment to his community.
“Throughout his life, he has shown a strong dedication to those around him, participating in sports, student events and volunteer activities. His faith and values have guided his way, and those who know him can attest to his integrity and good heart. “
His parents said that “this is a complex and painful situation for all parties involved.”
“We trust that the investigation will be carried out with transparency and justice. Our only interest is that due process is respected and actions with the equity required by the situation are taken, ”they said. “We ask everyone to pray to be and return to Sudiksha to their family.”
Last week, Dominican President Luis Abinader told reporters That Konanki's disappearance is being investigated as an accident.
“We are worried,” said March 10 during his weekly meeting with the press. “All government agencies are looking for … because the last information we have of one of them, of the last person with the young woman, which says according to the reports is that a wave, while on the beach, crashed into them.”
Abinader defended the safety of tourists in the Dominican Republic, saying that the country receives more than 11 million visitors a year and that the problems arise rarely.
He The Riu Hotels chain said in a statement On March 9, he was “deeply concerned about the disappearance of one of our guests.”
“From the moment its absence was reported, we have been working closely with local authorities, including the Police and the Navy, to carry out an exhaustive search,” said the hotel. “We would like to express our deepest sympathy for family and friends during this incredibly difficult time … we are completely committed to doing everything in our power to help in this situation.”