The death of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala, an Indian national living in the United States, has triggered a multi-agency criminal investigation spanning two countries and raised serious questions about cross-border accountability in violent crime cases. Godishala, a data and strategy analyst based in Ellicott City, Maryland, was reported missing shortly after New Year’s Eve and was later found dead inside the apartment of her former boyfriend. Authorities say she died from multiple stab wounds, and investigators believe the killing occurred within hours of the last confirmed sighting of her alive.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the brutal nature of the crime, but also due to the circumstances surrounding the prime suspect’s sudden departure from the United States. Police allege that Arjun Sharma, 26, Godishala’s ex-boyfriend and the owner of the apartment where her body was found, fled to India on the same day he reported her missing. With an arrest warrant now issued on charges of first- and second-degree murder, the investigation has expanded beyond state and federal lines into the realm of international law enforcement and extradition.
As the investigation continues, authorities in Maryland, federal agencies in the United States, and Indian officials are coordinating efforts to locate Sharma and determine the next legal steps. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to Godishala’s family, who are seeking answers and justice in the wake of her death.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Discovery
According to the Howard County Police Department, Nikitha Godishala was last seen on December 31 at an apartment in Maryland owned by Arjun Sharma. Investigators believe the two had previously been in a relationship, though the nature and circumstances of their breakup have not been publicly detailed. What is clear, police say, is that Godishala was at Sharma’s apartment on New Year’s Eve and was not seen alive again after that evening.
Detectives believe the fatal incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31. At this stage of the investigation, authorities have not disclosed what evidence led them to establish this specific timeframe, nor have they released information about any witnesses, surveillance footage, or forensic findings that may have contributed to that conclusion. Officials have emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing and that certain details are being withheld to preserve the integrity of the case.
On January 2, Sharma contacted police to report Godishala missing. During that interaction, he reportedly told officers that he had last seen her at his apartment on December 31. Later that same day, police confirmed, Sharma boarded a flight to India and left the United States. The timing of his departure has since become a central element of the investigation.
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The following day, on January 3, detectives executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment in Maryland. Inside, they discovered Godishala’s body. Police said she had suffered stab wounds, and her death was subsequently ruled a homicide. The announcement marked a shift in the case from a missing person inquiry to a full-scale murder investigation.
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Howard County police have stated that, based on the evidence gathered so far, they believe Sharma killed Godishala and then left the country. An arrest warrant has been issued charging him with both first-degree and second-degree murder. First-degree murder typically involves premeditation, while second-degree murder generally refers to intentional killing without prior planning. The inclusion of both charges indicates that prosecutors are preserving multiple legal avenues as the case progresses.
Investigation, Charges, and International Manhunt
Following the discovery of Godishala’s body, investigators moved quickly to secure an arrest warrant for Sharma. Law enforcement officials have described him as the primary and only suspect at this time. However, they have not publicly disclosed a motive for the alleged killing, stating that no motive is known so far.
Howard County police have confirmed that they are now working with federal law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest Sharma. Given that he has already left the United States, the case has taken on an international dimension. Federal agencies are expected to play a role in coordinating with Indian authorities, particularly if Sharma is confirmed to be in India.
The issuance of charges for both first- and second-degree murder underscores the seriousness of the allegations. Under Maryland law, a conviction for first-degree murder can carry a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Second-degree murder also carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms. Prosecutors often file multiple charges at this stage to ensure that the strongest possible case can be presented once the suspect is in custody.
Police have not released information about the weapon used in the killing, the number of stab wounds, or whether there were signs of a struggle inside the apartment. They have also not said whether Godishala had contacted friends, family members, or colleagues in the hours leading up to her death. These details may emerge later as the investigation advances or during court proceedings.
Authorities have emphasized that the case remains active and that additional evidence is still being analyzed. Forensic examinations, digital data, and travel records are all likely part of the investigative process. The focus now is on locating Sharma and securing his return to the United States to face the charges against him.
The involvement of federal law enforcement agencies suggests that mechanisms such as international alerts or coordination through established legal frameworks may be used. While officials have not confirmed whether an international notice has been issued, cases of this nature often involve close cooperation between national and international authorities to track and detain suspects who flee across borders.
Consular Response and Extradition Process Ahead
The Indian Embassy in the United States has confirmed that it is in contact with Nikitha Godishala’s family and is extending all possible consular assistance. In a statement, the Embassy said it is also following up on the matter with local authorities. Such involvement typically includes facilitating communication between the family and law enforcement, assisting with legal and logistical matters, and providing guidance on procedures related to the handling of remains and documentation.
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Godishala’s death has resonated within the Indian community in the United States, particularly among professionals and students living abroad. As an Indian national working in the US, her case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by expatriates and the complexities that arise when serious crimes cross international boundaries.
A key factor in the unfolding legal process is the extradition treaty between the United States and India. The two countries have an agreement that allows for cooperation in serious criminal cases, including murder. However, extradition is not an automatic or rapid process. It typically involves formal requests, legal reviews in the country where the suspect is located, and diplomatic coordination between governments.
Legal experts note that extradition proceedings can take months or even longer, depending on the specifics of the case and any legal challenges raised by the accused. Courts in the requested country often examine whether the charges meet the criteria outlined in the treaty, whether there is sufficient evidence to justify extradition, and whether the suspect’s rights will be protected in the requesting country.
In this case, if Sharma is located in India, US authorities would be required to submit a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels. Indian courts would then review the request before making a determination. During this period, Sharma could potentially be detained or placed under legal restrictions, depending on the actions taken by Indian authorities.
For Godishala’s family, the legal process ahead is likely to be lengthy and emotionally challenging. While the issuance of an arrest warrant represents a significant step, the path to a trial and potential conviction depends on successfully bringing the suspect back under US jurisdiction.
Howard County police have reiterated their commitment to pursuing the case and holding the suspect accountable. As investigators continue to work with federal and international partners, further developments are expected in the coming weeks and months. Until then, the death of Nikitha Godishala remains under active investigation, with authorities focused on ensuring that the charges filed lead to a full judicial process.