SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The 22-year-old northwestern Iowan who is believed to be the last person to see missing college student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic has returned to the U.S.
Josh Riibe, from Rock Rapids, Iowa, was given a new passport from the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic after his was confiscated while authorities questioned him, according to multiple media reports.
A judge ruled that Riibe should be freed from detainment and allowed to leave during a habeas corpus hearing on March 18.
On Wednesday, the law firm representing Riibe told PEOPLE that he was heading home.
“We are pleased to announce that Joshua and his father are currently traveling back to their home in the United States,” the lawyers said, before later confirming that he has arrived.
It is not clear whether he has returned to Iowa yet.
There is a court appearance on March 28, but Riibe does not have to attend in person.
Riibe was considered a person of interest in Konanki’s disappearance because he was the last person who saw her alive. He was never a suspect or under criminal investigation.
Konanki, 20, is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh and was on spring break with her friends in Punta Cana at a resort. Surveillance video shows her and five other University of Pittsburgh students and Riibe heading to the beach around 5 a.m.
Riibe told authorities he and Konanki were in the water when a large wave slammed into them. Riibe reportedly tried saving her from drowning. They made it back to the beach, but he was unable to keep helping her due to his own exhaustion and sickness.
Konanki’s parents sent a letter to authorities asking that she be declared dead. They said Riibe cooperated with police.
During his habeas corpus hearing, Riibe said Konanki’s mom thanked him for helping their daughter.
“We were in the lobby and the mother hugged me and said thank you for saving Sudiksha the first time,” Riibe said.
Riibe is a senior at St. Cloud State University studying land surveying and mapping sciences. He first enrolled in 2023.
He graduated from Central Lyon High School in 2021 where he wrestled and played football. Riibe qualified for state wrestling in 2020 and 2021.
