The student, Sudiksha Konanki, 20, was on spring break in Punta Cana when she disappeared this month, prompting a search effort. An American man who had been seen with her attended a court hearing Tuesday.

Joshua Riibe's departure ends what his attorneys allege was a dayslong detainment in the country as investigators questioned him in connection with Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance.

Joshua Riibe's return to the U.S. remains unclear as there was no immediate decision about returning his passport, which authorities confiscated last week.