On January 3, 2026, Howard County Police in Maryland found 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala dead from multiple stab wounds in 26-year-old Arjun Sharma’s apartment in Columbia. Sharma, her ex-boyfriend and former roommate, reported her missing the day before, then fled to India. Police issued arrest warrants for first- and second-degree murder, believing he killed her around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve after she visited to collect owed money.
Background and Motive
Godishala, who held a master’s in health information technology and worked as a data analyst at Vheda Health since February 2025, had lent Sharma money. Her father, Anand Godishala, and cousin Saraswati told the Times of India the dispute escalated when she demanded repayment at his Twin Rivers Road apartment. Detectives confirmed their ex-relationship via multiple sources.
Investigation Status
Howard County Police are coordinating with U.S. federal law enforcement to locate and extradite Sharma from India. This case underscores risks in personal financial disputes turning violent, especially across international borders. Check updates from Howard County PD or outlets like PEOPLE and Times of India.
