Howard County detectives obtained an arrest warrant after finding the 27-year-old victim in a Columbia apartment.
COLUMBIA, Md. — Howard County police said a woman reported missing last week was found with stab wounds inside her ex-boyfriend’s apartment, and investigators have obtained a warrant charging him with murder after learning he left the United States on Jan. 2.
Police identified the victim as 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala and said detectives believe she was killed the night of Dec. 31 in a Columbia complex. Investigators named her former boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma of Columbia, as the suspect and said he boarded a flight to India soon after filing a missing-person report. The case has moved into a coordinated search with federal partners as authorities seek Sharma’s arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges. The discovery has shaken residents at the complex and drawn attention from Indian and local communities monitoring the investigation and arrangements for returning the woman’s remains.
According to police, Sharma contacted authorities on Jan. 2 to report that he last saw Godishala at his apartment on New Year’s Eve. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant the next day at the address in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road. Inside, they found Godishala dead from apparent stab wounds. Investigators said evidence at the scene indicated the killing happened around 7 p.m. Dec. 31. “This is a deeply upsetting case,” a department spokesperson said, noting that detectives immediately began coordinating with federal agencies once they confirmed Sharma had left the country. Neighbors reported a heavy police presence at the building as officers processed the scene and removed evidence bags late into the night.
Officials said an arrest warrant issued this weekend charges Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. Police said he departed the United States on Jan. 2, the same day he reported Godishala missing, and they are working through federal channels to request assistance abroad. Authorities did not release a possible motive and said investigators are still reviewing digital records, surveillance video, phone data and airline information. The apartment where Godishala was found is in a large residential community near downtown Columbia. Police did not report any other injuries and said there is no ongoing threat to residents in the immediate area, based on current findings.
Godishala had been reported missing during the New Year’s holiday period, prompting alerts shared by local media and community groups. The case quickly drew wider interest after police announced the discovery in a former partner’s apartment and disclosed that the person of interest had already flown out of the country. Columbia and the broader Howard County area typically report lower violent-crime rates than neighboring jurisdictions, though domestic-related homicides have periodically rattled the region. Public records show a series of end-of-year incidents across the Washington region, placing renewed focus on investigative coordination when suspects cross state or national borders.
Detectives said they are working with the State’s Attorney’s Office on extradition-related steps while federal partners pursue leads on Sharma’s current location. Police said next-of-kin notifications were completed and arrangements are underway with consular officials to return Godishala’s remains. Authorities said they expect to release additional investigative updates after preliminary forensic results and a formal autopsy confirm cause and manner of death. No court appearance has been scheduled, and timelines for any international proceedings remain unclear. Police said they will provide information on potential public briefings once they have confirmation from partner agencies.
Outside the building Sunday, residents described a usually quiet courtyard with families walking dogs and a small playground nearby. One neighbor said she noticed lights on and off New Year’s Eve but did not hear an argument. Another resident, returning from a trip, said he came home to find crime-scene tape across the stairwell and officers knocking on doors. A local community leader who has been in touch with friends of the victim called the loss “devastating” and said the group is focused on supporting the family as they navigate funeral logistics. A Howard County official said the county is assisting investigators and will defer further comment to police while the inquiry continues.
As of Monday afternoon, the investigation remained active with the arrest warrant in effect and coordination underway with federal and international partners. Police said additional updates would follow when authorities confirm Sharma’s whereabouts or set a timetable for further legal steps.
Author note: Last updated January 5, 2026.