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, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, on a Friday. Sharma informed authorities that he last saw her on December 31, 2025, at his Columbia, Maryland apartment. Shortly after filing the report, it emerged that Sharma had left the U.S., boarding a flight to India.

Upon investigating the apartment on Saturday, police found Godishala had suffered multiple stab wounds, with detectives estimating the time of death to be around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

An active search is underway to apprehend Sharma, who is facing first- and second-degree murder charges linked to Godishala’s death. Police spokesperson Seth Hoffman, speaking to CBS affiliate WJZ, noted that the former partners maintained a cordial relationship post-breakup. Hoffman stated, “They were known to still meet and communicate after ending their relationship, but we currently lack a motive for this heinous act.”

Police said a manhunt is now underway to find and arrest Sharma, who will face charges of first- and second-degree murder in connection with Godishala’s death. Howard County police spokesman Seth Hoffman told local CBS affiliate WJZ that the former couple were on good terms after the end of their romantic relationship. Hoffman said, “We do believe it wasn’t uncommon that they would still meet each other and have communication after their relationship ended, but we don’t have a motive right now as to why he would kill her.”

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.