Dominican Republic: Person of Interest Named in Missing US Student Case

Above: A generic photo of a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Dec. 13, 2020. Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons

The Spin


Narrative A

The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is a heartbreaking tragedy, leaving her family and friends in anguish. Surveillance shows her staggering with Joshua Riibe, but the cause of her vanishing remains unclear — drowning, foul play, or something else entirely are all possibilities. The police's decision not to pursue a criminal case deserves respect, yet her parents' suspicions of foul play shouldn't be dismissed either.


Narrative B

While it's sad to say, the tragic disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki should be a lesson to other college spring break vacationers. Excessive alcohol, as seen in her staggering with Joshua Riibe, often fuels reckless behavior, from balcony falls to drunk driving. Statistics show a 9.1% fatality rise during this season. Partying in unfamiliar places can turn deadly fast — Konanki's case, still unsolved, urges caution over chaos.


Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!