In a tragic turn of events, a 27-year-old woman reported missing on New Year's Eve has been discovered deceased in the United States. The Howard County Police Department confirmed on Sunday that Nikita Godishala was found dead with stab wounds in a Columbia, Maryland apartment.
Ex-Boyfriend Reported Missing, Then Fled the Country
The police investigation has identified the primary suspect as the victim's former boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma of Columbia. According to the official statement, Sharma himself contacted authorities to file a missing person report for Nikitha Godishala, who resided in Ellicott City. He claimed the last time he saw her was on December 31 at his apartment located on Twin Rivers Road.
However, the police narrative took a suspicious turn shortly after. Detectives discovered that on the very same day he reported her missing, January 2, Sharma boarded an international flight and departed the United States for India. This prompted immediate action from law enforcement.
Grim Discovery and Murder Charges
Acting on this information, Howard County detectives executed a search warrant at Sharma's Columbia apartment on January 3. It was during this search that they made the grim discovery of Godishala's body.
Based on their subsequent investigation, detectives have pieced together a timeline of the crime. They believe Arjun Sharma killed Nikita Godishala shortly after 7 pm on December 31 at the Twin Rivers Road residence. The police have now obtained an arrest warrant for Sharma, charging him with both first-degree and second-degree murder.
International Manhunt Underway
The case has now taken on an international dimension. The Howard County Police have stated they are actively collaborating with United States federal law enforcement agencies in an effort to locate and apprehend Arjun Sharma, who is believed to be in India.
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. Police officials have stated that a motive for the killing is not yet known. The community and the victim's family await justice as authorities work across borders to track down the suspect.
