New surveillance footage has surfaced in the case of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, showing her appearing to vomit at a hotel bar just hours before she mysteriously vanished.
The video, obtained by Dominican news outlet Noticias SIN, comes from security cameras at the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana, where Konanki was vacationing with friends. In the footage, a woman believed to be Konanki, dressed in white, is seen staggering toward a grassy area before bending over as if to be sick. Moments later, she appears to regain her composure, returning to a friend and jumping excitedly.
Also visible in the footage is Joshua Riibe, the last known person to have been with Konanki before her disappearance. He, too, appears to be hunched over and retching. Notably, the two are never seen interacting in the video, contradicting early rumors that they were inseparable that night.
Timeline of Events
Authorities believe Konanki vanished in the early morning hours of March 6 after she and Riibe took a walk along the beach. Her clothes were later discovered neatly folded on a beach chair, leading police to suspect she may have entered the ocean voluntarily. However, given reports of strong currents in the area, there are concerns she may have drowned.
Local police have labeled Riibe a “person of interest” in the case, citing inconsistencies in his statements. Dominican authorities have barred him from leaving the country until the investigation concludes, though he has not been charged with any crime.
Authorities Weigh Possibilities
While police maintain drowning as the most likely scenario, foul play has not been ruled out. A hotel worker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the conditions that night: “The waves were very strong. Anyone swimming alone at that hour would be in serious danger.”
Meanwhile, friends of Konanki are struggling to make sense of the new footage. “She didn’t seem like someone who was in distress,” said one friend, who wished to remain unnamed. “She was partying, having fun. But seeing that she was sick… it makes me wonder if she was okay before she left the bar.”
Family Demands Answers
Back in Pennsylvania, Konanki’s family has grown increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of the investigation. They are calling for greater U.S. involvement in the case.
“We just want to know what happened to our daughter,” her father, Rajesh Konanki, told reporters. “She deserves better than silence and speculation.”
With no body recovered and questions swirling about the circumstances of her disappearance, the case remains open. U.S. officials have yet to comment on whether they will intervene, but the pressure is mounting.
Unanswered Questions
With new video evidence adding more complexity rather than clarity, investigators must now determine: Was Konanki in distress before she vanished? Why were both she and Riibe sick that night? And most importantly—what really happened after she left that bar?
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
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