Chicago – January 07, 2026
Authorities in Howard County have issued an international alert as investigators search for 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and fleeing the United States shortly afterward.
Police confirmed that an arrest warrant has been filed charging Sharma with first- and second-degree murder in the stabbing death of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala of Ellicott City. Her body was discovered inside Sharma’s Columbia apartment on Twin Rivers Road during a welfare check conducted after he reported her missing.
According to investigators, Sharma told police on Friday that he last saw Godishala on New Year’s Eve at his residence. Later that same day, authorities learned he had boarded an international flight departing Dulles International Airport and traveled to India.
Detectives subsequently executed a search warrant at his apartment, where they found Godishala deceased with multiple stab wounds. Initial findings suggest the killing occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Police say Sharma called 911 to report Godishala missing before leaving the country. Federal law enforcement agencies are now assisting in the global effort to locate and apprehend him.
The investigation remains active, and authorities say the motive is still unknown. Anyone with information related to Sharma’s whereabouts is urged to contact Howard County police.
