A Maryland woman was tragically discovered dead inside her former boyfriend’s apartment soon after he reported her missing and subsequently left the country for India.

Arjun Sharma, aged 26, contacted police on January 2, claiming he last saw 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala on December 31 at his residence, according to a statement from the Howard County police. Shortly after lodging the missing person’s report, Sharma departed on a flight to his home country of India.

The day following his report, detectives conducted a search at Sharma’s apartment, where they uncovered Godishala’s lifeless body.

Authorities suspect that Sharma committed the murder during the early evening hours of December 31. The investigation is ongoing, and a motive has yet to be determined.

Reports from WJZ revealed that Godishala died from stab wounds. An arrest warrant has been issued for Sharma, charging him with both first- and second-degree murder.

“There was clearly some level of premeditation involved, as evidenced by the act and his subsequent flight from the country,” explained Howard County police spokesman Seth Hoffman in a statement to WJZ.

Police said they are now working with federal authorities to locate Sharma in India and bring him back to the United States to face charges.