LEESBURG, VA – Authorities in the Dominican Republic have intensified their investigation into the disappearance of a 20-year-old college student from Loudoun County, Virginia. The student was last seen in Punta Cana, sparking a cross-border investigation involving both Dominican and U.S. officials.
Central to the investigation is Joshua Reeve, the last known person to have seen the young woman alive. Dominican authorities have confiscated his passport, effectively preventing him from leaving the country. Although not formally detained, Reeve is staying in a hotel under police escort as the investigation continues.
New evidence has surfaced, including clothing items belonging to the missing student. A sarong and flip-flops were found near a beach chair, suggesting that she may have remained on the beach longer than initially thought. The discovery of these items has added a new dimension to the investigation, which has been progressing slowly according to sources.
Reeve’s account of the night in question is under scrutiny. He claims that he and the student, along with a group of friends, had been drinking before heading to the beach. According to Reeve, the friends returned to the hotel, leaving him and the student alone. He recounts that they entered the water and were caught by a strong wave. Reeve says he swallowed seawater and, after bringing her closer to shore, lost track of her before passing out on the beach.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Reeve and the student walking to the beach, but the details of what happened afterward remain unclear. U.S. authorities are treating the case as a missing persons investigation, and while Reeve is considered a person of interest, he has not been named a suspect.
Experts weigh in on the case, suggesting that while the possibility of foul play exists, the strong tides and alcohol consumption could have contributed to the student’s disappearance. The University of Maryland’s criminology department provided insights into the challenges faced by investigators, highlighting the complexities of the case.
The student’s family has traveled to the Dominican Republic to aid in the search and gather more information. Meanwhile, Reeve’s family has expressed sorrow over the situation, emphasizing his character and their desire to support the student’s family.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities from both countries continue their collaboration to uncover the truth. Updates are expected as more information becomes available, with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office closely monitoring developments.