Joshua Riibe, the man who is believed to be the last person he saw Sudiksha Konanki – which disappeared in the Dominican Republic On March 6, he broke his silence after having his passport captured by the authorities.
Last week, Loudoun’s County Sheriff’s office in Virginia, where Konanki is a biology student, told NBC News that a person of interest had been identified by researchers in the United States.
Surveillance pictures From Konanki he showed his arm’s arm to the missing student with Riibe as two women walked behind them when they left the building. Riibe, 22, a university student in Minnesota, has now been « confined » in the Riu Cana Republic, where he was last seen with Konanki before disappearing.
« It is permanently escorted by police anywhere where it goes, » works the law firm with Riibe told nbc newsadding that he 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 charged with any crime, told the authorities on March 12 that he spent time on the beach « kissing » Konanki before his disappearance, according to the transcript of the interview obtained by NBC News. (Global News has not seen regard to transcription.)
Riibe told local researchers that he and Konanki were « in deep water from his waist, talking and kissing a little », when a large wave crashed against them and devastated them « out of the sea », according to the transcript.
« I tried to breathe, but that did not allow me to breathe all the time and swallowed a lot of water, » said Riibe.
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Riibe, a former lifeguard, told researchers that he returned to him and Konanki on the coast safely.
« It took me a long time to remove it, it was difficult, » Riibe told officials, according to the transcription. « I was a lifeguard in the pool, not at sea.
« When I finally got to the ground on the beach, I kept her in front of me. She was not out of the water, she was in her knee and walked to an angle of the water.
« The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was OK. I didn’t hear her answer because I started vomiting 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 saw no one. I thought I had taken his things and he left, » he added.
A representative of the authorities of the Dominican Republic said in an update of March 14 that « Joshua Steven Riibe, who has been identified as » person of interest « , remains in preventive detention and is being questioned in the National Police Gender Violence Unit for more information on the incident. »
« While authorities consider Joshua Steven a key element in the investigation, it will remain in remand, » the warning said.
« We are using all our resources to thoroughly investigate the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki and understand the discomfort that this case causes his family, Dominican and North -Americans », Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso said March 12. « As in any disappearance that occurs in the circumstances of the case we are dealing with, we are applying a holistic research protocol that examines all variables. »
It Surveillance picturesPosted last week, shows Riibe to leave the beach area at 9:55 am, without any Konanki sign. Riibe’s family said at the local departure wtae That his son is « deeply dismayed by the disappearance of Konanki. They also said that Riibe » has fully collaborated in the search and clarification of the facts from the outset. «
They said that their child has been « detained in irregular condition ».
« He has been in his hotel room under police surveillance and has been repeatedly taken to the police station since March 6, where he has been questioned for long hours, » said Riibe’s parents. « This situation has aroused a great deal of concern within his family, which has led us to keep legal directors to initiate legal actions that guarantee their security and the protection of their rights throughout this process.
« Joshua is a 22 -year -old university student at St. State University Cloud of Minnesota, where he graduated in a land survey. He is a beloved son, brother and friend, known for his nature, a sense of humor and his 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 path, and those who know him can demonstrate his integrity and good heart. « »
Her parents said that « this is a complex and painful situation for all parties involved. »
« We trust that the research will be performed with transparency and justice. Our only interest is that the process is respected and that the actions are taken with the equity that the situation requires, » they said. « We ask everyone to ask Sudiksha to meet and return home to their family. »
Last week Dominican President Luis Abinader told journalists That Konanki’s disappearance is being investigated as an accident.
« We are concerned, » he said on March 10 during a weekly meeting with the press. « All government agencies are looking for … because the latest information we have of one of them, from the last person who was with the young woman, who says according to the reports is that a wave, while on the beach, he crashed against 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 problems rarely arise.
It 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 their absence was reported, we have been working closely with local authorities, including police and the navy, for a thorough search, » the hotel said. « We want to express our deepest sympathy with family and friends during this incredibly difficult time … We fully promise to do everything in our power to help in this situation. »
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