DR, Sudiksha Konanki, 20, Punta Cana, 6 March 2025

[Chimera]

I'm posting them below, but for the rest of the story, the link is beneath them. He was acting on the advice of his lawyer when he declined to answer:

• How can we verify that everything you have said corresponds to the truth?
• Could you tell us what you told your friend Carter Joseph, when he asked about the missing girl Konanki – Sudiksha?
• What do you think about Sudiksha’s disappearance?
• Did young Sudiksha know how to swim or not?
• Do you remember if young Sudiksha made any gestures or cries while she was in the sea?
• Did you inform the authorities or the hotel what had happened to you and the girl on the beach?
• Did you tell your friend what had happened with you and the girl on the beach?
• How do you feel about this situation?

Last person to see missing Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki claims he saved her from drowning — but declined to answer 8 key police questions

Minnesota college senior Joshua Riibe, 22, refused to answer several key questions as he described his final moments with Konaki before she vanished in the Dominican Republic.

nypost.com

Rbm.
Thanks for the link verifying that JR declined to answer.
I went looking and hadn't found anything yet.

Not a sign of foul play, certainly, but at this time it would be best (imo) if JR fully told LE everything .
Even if it was embarrassing or whatever.
We the public don't need to know.
But LE do, so they can clear JR.
Afaik, the official version by the authorities there is drowning, so nothing that was said by JR and/or SK can't be revealed to LE.
Imo.

 

[TMich6811]

Is it certain that he didn't report her missing? It's possible he was unaware of her absence until the other girls came back from their day trip and contacted him to check if she was still with him. Perhaps it was then that they all decided to report her missing.

Some more randoms

I still wonder if he had her number and if he tried calling or messaging. Do we even know if he actually had her number to try to contact?

If he didn’t hear from her or didn’t contact her or didn’t report her missing - it’s very very very likely imo it’s because she was supposed to go in an excursion with her friends.


IMO possible scenario
Drinking. Way too much by all parties.
Water with everyone
Friends are like we have to go cause excursion in am. These 2 are all over another so stay. Still don’t understand them taking phone.

Go in water, have fun, get overwhelmed by waves. He could have brought her back (or thinks he did or says so to save face cause wishes he could have saved her but was drunk) puked, passed out cause work drunk plus water.

She either never made it back or went back out - both possible with alcohol involved.

He wakes up - thinks she must have went to room: goes to his room and passes out. Wakes up and thinks he very thing is fine because no real reason to think everything wasn’t fine, maybe thought she went on excursion.
Maybe even says to friend - man I was messed up don’t know what happened last night last night (or some version of drunk confused memories)

 

[Chimera]

Maybe I missed this but does anyone know if all her belongings are missing as well? I would think when they went to get in the water, she would have put her phone or bag on the beach. Or even taking off any clothes over her bathing suit?

Thought her friends had her phone ?
Imo.

What to know about Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki, who vanished in Dominican Republic on spring break

Dominican police say they've been re-interviewing people who were with Konanki before she went missing.

abc7ny.com

Her family says her belongings, including a phone and wallet, were left with her friends, although she's known to always carry her phone.
Rbm.

 

[nerosleuth]

Earlier, I missed the part in the article where he said they kissed in the water before being swept away by the waves. That reinforces my theory of him wanting more after that kiss. Zero chance that the guy would have wanted to stop at just a kiss with the bikini clad SK. Bet things went downhill really fast after she pulled back. MOO.

Here is a plausible theory that I'm considering.

It is dark and both JR and SK are in shoulder deep water. And in water, JR touches SK in an inappropriate manner.

SK refuses his unwanted touching and JR gets angry where he suddenly holds SK's head underwater.

And in his drunken state, JR thinks he held SK's head underwater for less than a minute, but it is more than several minutes.

Then to his horror, he panics after discovering that SK is not breathing and possibly deceased.

I'm not saying that this is what actually happened, only that this is a possibility to consider.

Any thoughts about this?

 

[Campizi67]

In what context are you referring to this? Him trying to save her is clearly him thinking about her welfare.

If he didn't check on her after, I find that an odd inconsistency. Again, saying it's odd is not implicating anyone with guilt. But those are the type of inconsistencies that I'm sure investigators consider, and likely a jury if it came to that.

I agree with you, it is indeed an odd inconsistency. My point was that cultural differences can often influence the decisions people make, which might explain why someone’s actions or in-actions seem inconsistent when viewed through a different cultural lens.

 

[darring21]

Here is a plausible theory that I'm considering.

It is dark and both JR and SK are in shoulder deep water. And in water, JR touches SK in an inappropriate manner.

SK refuses his unwanted touching and JR gets angry where he suddenly holds SK's head underwater.

And in his drunken state, JR thinks he held SK's head underwater for less than a minute, but it is more than several minutes.

Then to his horror, he panics after discovering that SK is not breathing and possibly deceased.

I'm not saying that this is what actually happened, only that this is a possibility to consider.

Any thoughts about this?

If it's not true, it sounds like libel.

 

[gitana1]

Any corroboration about the intensity of the surf that night? What were the conditions?

 

[Campizi67]

In the second photo in this gallery, you can see the loungers close to the shore and behind them, what looks to me like two rows of huts, MOO where you could change or get out of the sun for a bit.

Thank you! I missed the pic.
I am reading that she went missing during high tide. I wonder if these loungers are moved back before the tide comes in. If, in fact, it was high tide, would he have had to walk quite a distance to get back to a lounger?

 

[Chimera]

A theory is just that, a theory.
No one has accused JR.
Everyone wants to know if it was an accident or not ?
My .02 is that LE are somewhat unclear about both at this time.

 

[nightowl2728]

I agree with you, it is indeed an odd inconsistency. My point was that cultural differences can often influence the decisions people make, which might explain why someone’s actions or in-actions seem inconsistent when viewed through a different cultural lens.

Thanks for sharing your perspective, that makes sense as something to consider for sure. I have been a bit fired up about this so apologies if I came off argumentative!... I do hope it was all a big mistake and that they find her.

 

[nightowl2728]

Here is a plausible theory that I'm considering.

It is dark and both JR and SK are in shoulder deep water. And in water, JR touches SK in an inappropriate manner.

SK refuses his unwanted touching and JR gets angry where he suddenly holds SK's head underwater.

And in his drunken state, JR thinks he held SK's head underwater for less than a minute, but it is more than several minutes.

Then to his horror, he panics after discovering that SK is not breathing and possibly deceased.

I'm not saying that this is what actually happened, only that this is a possibility to consider.

Any thoughts about this?

I actually thought this as I was reading the NYPost article about him "saving her" (as he is quoted) and "trying" to keep her head above water.. Felt a little bad saying it, but I agree it's a possibility?

 

[Campizi67]

In what context are you referring to this? Him trying to save her is clearly him thinking about her welfare.

If he didn't check on her after, I find that an odd inconsistency. Again, saying it's odd is not implicating anyone with guilt. But those are the type of inconsistencies that I'm sure investigators consider, and likely a jury if it came to that.

Thanks for sharing your perspective, that makes sense as something to consider for sure. I have been a bit fired up about this so apologies if I came off argumentative!... I do hope it was all a big mistake and that they find her.

Thank you for understanding. And no offense taken! it's a tough situation, and I too hope they find her safe

 

[CityKid]

Here is a plausible theory that I'm considering.

It is dark and both JR and SK are in shoulder deep water. And in water, JR touches SK in an inappropriate manner.

SK refuses his unwanted touching and JR gets angry where he suddenly holds SK's head underwater.

And in his drunken state, JR thinks he held SK's head underwater for less than a minute, but it is more than several minutes.

Then to his horror, he panics after discovering that SK is not breathing and possibly deceased.

I'm not saying that this is what actually happened, only that this is a possibility to consider.

Any thoughts about this?

Waves were 5 to 6 or more feet high at the time. SK is 5-foot-3. If she were in shoulder-deep water, she wouldn't have been able to withstand a 5-foot wave without being knocked over. Even standing in shoulder-deep water with smaller waves is uncomfortable.

Before College Student Vanished on Beach, Resort Says There Were 'Strong’ Currents and ‘Very High Waves'

As authorities in the Dominican Republic still continue to search for Sudiksha Konanki, the beach resort where she stayed at confirmed that a red flag warning was in place to advise visitors of potentially dangerous conditions in the waters.

people.com

Last man to see Sudiksha Konanki said he tried to save missing student from ocean: Reports

The 20-year-old student was last seen on March 6 during her spring break trip to the Dominican Republic.

www.usatoday.com

There were other people on the beach; not a private place to commit murder.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/13/us/missing-us-student-punta-cana-beach-hnk/index.html

 

[nerosleuth]

Dbm. Couldn't get a link to work.

 

[Trebor5591]

Here is a plausible theory that I'm considering.

It is dark and both JR and SK are in shoulder deep water. And in water, JR touches SK in an inappropriate manner.

SK refuses his unwanted touching and JR gets angry where he suddenly holds SK's head underwater.

And in his drunken state, JR thinks he held SK's head underwater for less than a minute, but it is more than several minutes.

Then to his horror, he panics after discovering that SK is not breathing and possibly deceased.

I'm not saying that this is what actually happened, only that this is a possibility to consider.

Any thoughts about this?

My question is, if she drowned, why hasn't her body washed up yet? If she was murdered, why hasn't her body been found? Could she possibly still be alive?

 

[Pharmasgirl]

I totally agree with this! I think some of it could be lack of confidence in certain situations and/or coupled with just lack of knowledge.

I grew up in the 80s and drove less than perfect cars, so my dad taught me how to do things in the event of x, y or z. Also, living in a winter climate, I had to know how to use jumper cables, etc. I was also in Girl Scouts and learned different skills that you might not have if you were not involved in scouting.

With advancements in technology, some skills are just no longer needed but they can still be transferable somehow. I think that some skills just erode over generations for many reasons. I don't know how to milk a cow or grow corn, but my great-grandparents did!

I think that is one of the biggest gifts you can give your kids is to teach them to have some situational awareness and some basic life skills, even if one is to call 911 and/or get help!

Wisdom through the ages… % agreement by another whose parents provided me with the ‘tools’ of life

 

[gribear]

My question is, if she drowned, why hasn't her body washed up yet? If she was murdered, why hasn't her body been found? Could she possibly still be alive?

As has been mentioned a bunch, multiple other people have drowned on this beach - this year even - and not all bodies were recovered. Sad, but true.

Edited by me for clarity

 

[whitelilac]

My question is, if she drowned, why hasn't her body washed up yet? If she was murdered, why hasn't her body been found? Could she possibly still be alive?

Unfortunately not all drowning victims are found, particularly in the ocean.
It's the same here in CA.
I linked an article a few pages ago that authorities did check currents for that night and that a search is being conducted at another area...can't remember the area...Macao Beach, something like that.

eta. I checked....post #386 on page 20. Macao Beach.

 

[Pharmasgirl]

Bbm.
The bolded is new to me.

Everyone wants to know what happened.

The resort wants to know because this can't look good for them !
Cops want to know because of the nature of their occupation which makes them 'nosier' than many of us; so of course they're going to want to know more about JR's account of that evening.
Her family wants to find her if there is a tiny chance she could be alive & held somewhere... they must be so frantic and sad.
I am sorry there is no Sudiksha and no answers !

For my part, I'd like to know why LE wants to know what the conversation JR had with his roommate that morning.
Something alerted their (local police/fbi/national DR investigative agencies/etc.) curiosity.
What was it ?
I am looking around, but would like to know more about what the police need from JR information-wise.
As of now I believe JR's cooperating, and has also lawyered up (could be a matter of doing both) ?
Imo.

Just saw a report on local MN news that he’s been interviewed ~ 4 times without proper representation. If they interviewed me 4 times, I’m thinking they’re on to something OR going to try to pin something on me (remember I’m in another country); so I would lawyer up also Having a lawyer doesn’t imply one’s guilt; it protects one’s right to innocent until proven guilty. I hope he’s innocent & I hope she’s found alive… but sadly this case won’t go both ways.

 

[Angelcat13]

The person of interest is probably so terrified- I can’t imagine being held up in another country being interviewed for a crime. I wonder if his parents have also gone down there or provided a lawyer.

I agree and hope his parents have travelled there to support him and have obtained - or at the very least considered obtaining - local legal counsel familiar with the international aspects of this type of situation.

I am a mom of two early 20’s kids and one who was well past that time in his life so I am familiar with this age group in this day (my kids are pretty open with me about things). I also did my share of partying in my teens/20’s and was lucky to survive considering some of the really stupid things we did back then - especially before cell phones that help keep you in contact with people & have location sharing, etc.

I can easily see how a night of partying can lead to really bad decisions, especially at an age when you feel invincible. Their guard may also have been down if they felt they were in the company of other American college kids in a nice resort.

My main concern is for Sudishka and her family and friends and I hope they find her safe, but unfortunately that becomes less likely the more time passes. And most of us are familiar with the Natalee Holloway, so it is impossible to not fear for her safety.

I also feel for the young man (as long as he isn’t found to have anything to do with her disappearance). I can’t imagine waking up after a night of partying to find yourself in the middle of a nightmare like this in a foreign country far away from your parents and the system/laws that you are familiar with - not to mention having your name all over the news and social media, much of which is pointing accusingly at you.

I am leaning towards this being an accidental drowning and that his “changing stories” are the result of not really knowing what happened due to excessive drinking, fear and trying to piece things together when you really don’t remember.

Unfortunately, the lives of everyone involved will forever and heartbreakingly be changed.