COLUMBIA, Md. — A homicide investigation is underway in Howard County after authorities discovered a 27-year-old woman dead inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3. The victim, identified as Nikitha Godishala of Ellicott City, was found with multiple stab wounds, according to police.
Howard County police were initially called to the residence in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road after an individual reported Godishala missing. The missing-persons report was filed on January 2 by 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, also of Columbia, who told investigators he last saw Godishala on December 31 at his apartment.
When detectives executed a search warrant at the apartment the following day, they located Godishala’s body. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe she was killed shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31, though the exact motive remains under review.
Suspect Flees Country, Warrant Issued
Police allege that after reporting Godishala missing, Sharma fled the United States. Records show he boarded a flight to India on the very day he filed the missing-person report, prompting investigators to classify him as a suspect and fugitive.
Law enforcement officials have obtained arrest warrants charging Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. Howard County Police Department is working with federal authorities to locate and apprehend him. Anyone with information about Sharma’s whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement.
Friends and family of Godishala expressed shock and grief following the discovery. Local authorities have not disclosed a possible motive or whether there was any recent conflict between the two beyond what was established in the timeline.
Efforts by the Indian Embassy to support the victim’s family were confirmed, with officials extending consular assistance during the ongoing investigation.