Missing college student in the Dominican Republic from Ashburn

[Anonymous]

During the hearing someone spoke about scratches on him. There had been talk/wondering about what appear to be red marks on his shoulder in the video when he was walking back. That beach is not rocky so not likely from the surf. Things are not that clear cut which is why they are keeping him on ice until 3/28.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My heart goes out to the parents. They had asked for privacy so I hope they get that at least.

It’s a huge international story.

[Anonymous]

State can make him a new passport. How can DR hold him without arresting him? I don’t think they actually can.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:judge ruled in his favor but it’s unclear if he will be allowed to leave DR or get back his passport.

The friend apparently also was still there, and just got his passport back today.

Here is an update https://www.foxnews.com/us/american-consulate-dominican-republic-offering-help-iowa-man-held-missing-student-case

Thanks for posting the link. It's been weirdly hard to find a detailed article. And some articles have been wrong, saying he is free to leave. Ahem, NY Post printed the wrong info!

CNN also reported that the judge said he was free to leave.

Yes, hopefully he's on his way home.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/18/us/sudiksha-konanki-missing-student-punta-cana-tuesday/index.html

Free to leave the resort. His friend got passport back today, Josh got a hearing scheduled on 3/28 re HIS passport. Judge said he is free to move around DR now.

Thread is full of low information posters. Read the thread or the news or X.

"news on X"

Lots of media reports about and from hearing, in both English and Spanish on X. While it was happening. Why have reality intrude on the bickering, amirite?!

Didn't check. Is it also on Bluesky?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:His friend was also being held at the hotel but was given his passport today. This is insane.

This thread definitely needs to remain open because there are so many teachable issues here, this one being how chaotic and unprofessional law enforcement can be in another country. This could happen to anyone or anyone’s child. I think of Amanda Knox for starters. I don’t understand why DR is allowed to keep him there if he’s only a witness and he’s already told them everything he knows and been interviewed extensively. They have no evidence of a crime. Nothing. He hasn’t been charged with anything.

They should be able to keep his passport in perpetuity. The way this is unfolding is frightening.

One got passport, one did not. The spider senses of some senior investigators are up, we don’t know why.

They will likely return it or arrest him on or before 3/28.

Does travel insurance cover legal fees?

My guess is he can get a new one at the American embassy which is why the police freaked out when he went there with his father. it’s not reasonable to keep it 1.5 more weeks if he is free to leave, otherwise it is effectively still “keeping him”.

Maybe this was on news or mentioned here, but why did DR also keep the young man's friend until now? Did they think he also had info since they are friends? Or because one of the young woman's friend had texted him to ask if he had seen their friend and or his friend that morning? He wasn't listed as a POI or a witness tho, right?

Remember how Josh refused to answer the question about what he told CJ? He is a witness re that.

Oohh

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:During the hearing someone spoke about scratches on him. There had been talk/wondering about what appear to be red marks on his shoulder in the video when he was walking back. That beach is not rocky so not likely from the surf. Things are not that clear cut which is why they are keeping him on ice until 3/28.

Weren't they able to link if "scratches" was her or something/one else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:During the hearing someone spoke about scratches on him. There had been talk/wondering about what appear to be red marks on his shoulder in the video when he was walking back. That beach is not rocky so not likely from the surf. Things are not that clear cut which is why they are keeping him on ice until 3/28.

Weren't they able to link if "scratches" was her or something/one else?

What scratches can be seen on the grainy videos? Stop! Seriously.

[Anonymous]

Any news on what (if anything) the American Embassy in the DR is doing?

[Anonymous]

The media will probably try to focus on young man's friend who was given back documents to return to US now that he may be back in US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:During the hearing someone spoke about scratches on him. There had been talk/wondering about what appear to be red marks on his shoulder in the video when he was walking back. That beach is not rocky so not likely from the surf. Things are not that clear cut which is why they are keeping him on ice until 3/28.

Weren't they able to link if "scratches" was her or something/one else?

I don’t think we would know that, it would be trial evidence if they ever arrest him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:During the hearing someone spoke about scratches on him. There had been talk/wondering about what appear to be red marks on his shoulder in the video when he was walking back. That beach is not rocky so not likely from the surf. Things are not that clear cut which is why they are keeping him on ice until 3/28.

Weren't they able to link if "scratches" was her or something/one else?

What scratches can be seen on the grainy videos? Stop! Seriously.

Presumably the mention at the hearing was from them being seen on his body by LE. They have reasons for suspicion. Just not enough evidence without a body. That is likely why various tactics were used to try to get a confession.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any news on what (if anything) the American Embassy in the DR is doing?

They said they are offering consular services.

What that means was linked upthread.

He had 2 lawyers.

Next hearing 3/28.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:State can make him a new passport. How can DR hold him without arresting him? I don’t think they actually can.

They are now allowing him to travel around DR, not just resort.

Next hearing will focus on his passport, 3/28.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:During the hearing someone spoke about scratches on him. There had been talk/wondering about what appear to be red marks on his shoulder in the video when he was walking back. That beach is not rocky so not likely from the surf. Things are not that clear cut which is why they are keeping him on ice until 3/28.

Weren't they able to link if "scratches" was her or something/one else?

What scratches can be seen on the grainy videos? Stop! Seriously.

Presumably the mention at the hearing was from them being seen on his body by LE. They have reasons for suspicion. Just not enough evidence without a body. That is likely why various tactics were used to try to get a confession.

If they were both knocked over by wave scratches make sense if she was trying to grab on to him. Tbh I think the worst case scenario is he drunkenly saved himself not her and is lying about helping he at all. Or doesn't really remember and was to drunk to help her. Jmo.

[Anonymous]

this could be such a win for our strong man dear leader. an American citizen held with no proof of foul play (their words) and no arrest, not even named a suspect. get the kid a new passport and go pick him up! now we just look so weak kowtowing to a truly clown court