Key Takeaways
- An international manhunt is underway for 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala, in Columbia, Howard County.
- Sharma is charged with first- and second-degree murder and is believed to have fled to India after the crime.
- The investigation is ongoing, and police are working with federal and international authorities to capture Sharma.
- Godishala’s friends and family reported her missing on New Year’s Eve, and her body was found with multiple stab wounds in Sharma’s apartment.
- The motive behind the killing is not currently known, and the case is rare for the area surrounding the Mall in Columbia.
Introduction to the Case
An international manhunt is underway for a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and leaving her body inside his apartment in Columbia, Howard County, before fleeing to India. The suspect, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the apparent stabbing death of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala, of Ellicott City. According to police, Sharma said he last saw Godishala on New Year’s Eve at his apartment, but later that day, he fled the country on a flight to India. A search warrant was executed at his apartment, where officers found Godishala’s body with stab wounds.
Investigation and Arrest Warrant
The investigation into Godishala’s death began when Sharma called 911 to report her missing on Friday. However, police believe he had already left the country and was attempting to cover his tracks. Howard County police spokesman Seth Hoffman told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren that there was obvious premeditation in the crime, given that Sharma was able to flee the country. The police carried out a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment, where they found Godishala’s body with multiple stab wounds and other trauma. Hoffman said that there were no prior complaints or calls to service at the apartment, and it is not known whether the police were able to recover the murder weapon.
Concerns from Loved Ones
Godishala’s friends grew increasingly concerned when they stopped hearing from her on New Year’s Eve. Some took to social media to ask if anyone knew her whereabouts, and a police report was filed. Hoffman said that the friends’ concerns propelled the investigation towards the possibility of foul play. Godishala had appeared to post in a Facebook group in August, looking for someone to take over her room in the apartment and described her ex as "respectful" and clean. The neighborhood is stunned by the rare incident of murder, and neighbors are hoping the community can come together to support each other.
International Involvement
The case has gained international attention, with the U.S. Attorney’s office working with Interpol to issue a "red notice" – an international arrest warrant – for Sharma. This notice will be sent to nearly 200 countries, including India, to track and arrest Sharma. The Indian embassy has posted about the case on social media, stating that they are in contact with Godishala’s family and extending all possible consular assistance. The embassy is also following up with local authorities to assist in the case.
Community Reaction
The neighborhood surrounding the Mall in Columbia is known for being close-knit and friendly, with rare incidents of violent crime. Neighbors are hoping that the community can recover from the shock of the incident and come together to support each other. Daniel Wheeler Jr., a neighbor, told WJZ Investigates that he saw police cars outside the building and felt deeply sorry for Godishala’s family. He hopes that the community can show love and support towards the beginning of the new year. The case is ongoing, and police are working to capture Sharma and bring him to justice.
Conclusion
The case of Nikitha Godishala’s murder is a rare and shocking incident for the community surrounding the Mall in Columbia. The international manhunt for Arjun Sharma is ongoing, with police working with federal and international authorities to capture him. The motive behind the killing is not currently known, and the investigation is ongoing. The community is coming together to support each other and hopes that justice will be served.
