Judge makes ruling in case against last person to see missing college student

In a recent development in the case of the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudikasha Konanki during spring break in the Dominican Republic, a judge has officially ruled to close the case against the key witness, Joshua Steven Riibe. The ruling was made by Judge Edwin Rijo, who issued a detailed judgment outlining the legal reasoning behind his decision to grant the habeas corpus motion filed on behalf of Riibe.

The judge’s full written sentence clarified that the original ruling announced at the conclusion of the hearing on March 17 was immediately valid and enforceable. This decision effectively brings an end to the case against Riibe, allowing him to move freely within the country until his scheduled hearing on March 28.

Riibe, who had been under strict police monitoring at the Riu Republica for 11 days, had his cellphone and passport confiscated during this time. However, his attorneys successfully argued in court that as a witness and not a suspect, the police control over his movements was unlawful. The ruling in favor of Riibe’s writ of habeas corpus granted him the right to have his passport returned and move freely within the Dominican Republic.

Riibe, believed to be one of the last people to see Konanki before her disappearance, was with her on the beach behind their resort, the Riu Republica, in Punta Cana. Surveillance video shows the two of them on the beach in the early morning hours of March 6, with Riibe returning alone hours later. Konanki’s whereabouts remain unknown, and Riibe told investigators that they were pulled away by a strong current before he last saw her walking in knee-deep water.

Konanki’s parents had requested for her to be declared dead on March 17, citing the lack of evidence of foul play and Riibe’s continued cooperation with investigators. The ruling to close the case against Riibe reinforces the principles of due process and constitutional guarantees in the Dominican Republic, according to a representative from Guzmán Ariza, the legal firm representing Riibe.

The favorable outcome was attributed to the dedication and efforts of Riibe’s legal team, who remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights in the Dominican Republic. The case continues to be a high-profile investigation, with ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind Konanki’s disappearance.

As the investigation progresses, authorities and legal representatives are working diligently to bring closure to this tragic case and provide answers to Konanki’s family and loved ones. The ruling to close the case against Riibe marks a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding this mysterious disappearance, as the search for answers continues in the Dominican Republic.