Background: News footage of the apartment building in Columbia, Md., where Nikitha Godishala was found dead on Jan. 3 (WTTG). Inset (left): Nikitha Godishala (Instagram). Inset (right): Arjun Sharma (Howard County Police Department).

The Howard County Police Department revealed that 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala was reported missing by her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, on Friday. Sharma informed authorities that their last encounter was on December 31, 2025, at his residence in Columbia, Maryland. Shortly after filing the report, Sharma flew to India, leaving the area.

Upon investigating the apartment on Saturday, officers found Godishala’s body, suffering from numerous stab wounds. Investigators suspect her death occurred around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

A manhunt has been launched to capture Sharma, who faces charges of first- and second-degree murder. Howard County police spokesperson Seth Hoffman told WJZ, a local CBS affiliate, that the pair had maintained an amicable relationship post-breakup. Hoffman stated, “We believe it was not uncommon for them to remain in contact after their split, but we have yet to determine a motive for the killing.”

Both Sharma and Godishala were Indian nationals, according to WTTG, and authorities are collaborating with federal and international agencies to locate Sharma abroad. It is believed he departed from Dulles Airport in Virginia the same day he reported Godishala missing.

WTTG reported that both Sharma and Godishala were Indian nationals, and authorities were working with federal law enforcement and international agencies to track Sharma down overseas. Police believe he flew out of Dulles Airport in Virginia the same day he reported Godishala missing.

Hoffman told WJZ, “There was obviously some premeditation to be able to do this and then to flee the country.”

A warrant has been issued for Sharma’s arrest on charges of first- and second-degree murder. He is believed to be in India.