A young woman’s death in Howard County (Maryland) has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about the actions of her former partner.
Nikitha Godishala, 27, of Ellicott City, Maryland was reported missing on January 2. Later that week, Howard County police found her dead inside an apartment in Columbia. Investigators say she had suffered multiple stab wounds.
The apartment belonged to her ex boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, 26, of Columbia. Police say Sharma was the person who reported Godishala missing, telling officers he last saw her on December 31 at his apartment on Twin Rivers Road.
As the investigation progressed, police discovered a troubling detail. On the same day he filed the missing person report, Sharma left the United States on a flight to India. Detectives executed a search warrant at the apartment on January 3 and found Godishala’s body.
Based on evidence collected so far, investigators believe Godishala was killed shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant charging Sharma with first and second degree murder. No motive has been released at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Howard County police are now working with federal law enforcement agencies to locate Arjun Sharma and bring him back to face charges. Family members and friends of Nikitha are mourning her loss as the case continues to unfold.
