SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (7News) — A Dominican judge released the full legal reasoning behind his decision to release a St. Cloud University senior who is believed to be the last person to see University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki alive, according to the student's legal team at Guzmán Ariza.

This officially concludes the case against 22-year-old Joshua Steven Riibe of Iowa.

Judge Edwin Rijo of the Criminal Chamber of the Court of First Instance of La Altagracia has issued the written judgment behind his decision to grant the habeas corpus motion filed by Guzmán Ariza on behalf of Riibe.

The detailed judgment, presented on Friday, March 28, does not constitute a new decision. The original ruling, announced at the conclusion of the hearing on March 17, was immediately valid and enforceable.

Konanki and her five friends had traveled to Punta Cana on March 3 for spring break. Police said she disappeared at a beach by her hotel before dawn on March 6.

Riibe was drinking with Konanki on the beach the night of her disappearance, according to a transcript of his interview with prosecutors as reported by Dominican media outlet Noticias SIN. The two were kissing in the ocean when they were caught in a current. Riibe, who said he was a former lifeguard, claimed he helped bring her ashore.

Upon reaching the beach, Riibe said he vomited, and Konanki mentioned she was going to fetch her things. That's when he last saw her. Riibe later said he was surprised to hear that she had disappeared.

Riibe had been detained by Dominican police, following Konaki's disappearance, but Judge Rijo ordered Riibe's release, citing unlawful detention that exceeded the maximum period of 48 hours permitted under the Constitution of the Dominican Republic and the Dominican Code of Criminal Procedure.

According to these provisions, the Public Prosecutor's Office is required to file formal charges within forty-eight hours following an arrest or detention.

"Our firm remains committed to upholding due process and the constitutional guarantees established under Article 69 of our Constitution," said a representative from Guzmán Ariza in a press release. "This ruling reinforces these fundamental principles and strengthens confidence in the justice system of the Dominican Republic."

After the March 17 ruling, Riibe was released from police surveillance and given his passport back.