A 27-year-old Indian woman was found stabbed to death in her ex-boyfriend's apartment in Maryland, with police alleging he killed her before fleeing to India.
Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old from Ellicott City, was reported missing on January 2, 2026. Howard County police announced on January 4 that she was discovered deceased with stab wounds in the Columbia apartment of her former boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, aged 26.
Sharma had filed the missing person report on the same day, claiming he last saw Godishala on December 31 in his home. However, investigators learned that Sharma boarded a flight to India on January 2. The following day, a search of his apartment revealed Godishala's body. Detectives believe the killing occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31.
Police have issued an arrest warrant for Sharma on charges of first- and second-degree murder. The motive remains unknown, and the investigation continues. Authorities are collaborating with U.S. federal law enforcement to apprehend him.
The Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., stated it is supporting Godishala's family and coordinating with local officials. 'The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities,' it posted on X.
