A judge in the Dominican Republic has officially ruled to close the case of the key witness in the spring break disappearance of the University of Pittsburgh student Sudikasha Konanki.

On Friday, Judge Edwin Rijo issued the full written sentence detailing the legal reasoning behind his decision to grant the habeas corpus motion filed on behalf of 22-year-old Joshua Steven Ribe, officially concluding the case against him.

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

A Dominican Republic judge ruled in favor of Riibe’s writ of habeas corpus, giving him the ability to move freely within the country until his March 28 hearing. 

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents speak out after her daughter’s death. (FOX 5 DC)

Her parents, in a letter to Dominican authorities, asked for her to be declared dead on Monday, March 17, citing the lack of evidence of foul play and Riibe’s continued cooperation with investigators.

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

“This favorable outcome was achieved through the dedication and tireless efforts of our legal team. Guzmán Ariza remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rule of law, ensuring nationals and foreign citizens alike can trust in the protection of their fundamental rights in the Dominican Republic.”

Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz, Greg Wehner, Mara Robles, and Bryan Llenas contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com