Riibe has been identified as a person of interest in the case by the Loudoun County Sheriffâs Office, though not a suspect. While the Loudoun County Sheriffâs Office doesnât have jurisdiction in the Dominican Republic, the departmentâlocated in Konankiâs hometownâsent detectives to aid with the investigation.Â
Riibe, according to an interview transcript obtained by NBC News, told investigators he and Konanki had been standing in waist deep water when they were swept into the ocean by a large wave. He said they âtried to call for help, but there was no one there.â
âWhen I finally reached the ground on the beach, I pulled her in front of me,â the 22-year-old, who said he swam them both to the shore, told investigators. âShe went to gather her belongings since the sea had moved us. She wasnât out of the water, as it was up to our knees.â
Read the full article here