Who was Nikitha Godishala? 27-year-old Indian found dead at ex-boyfriend’s US apartment

Nikitha Rao Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian woman, was found dead in a residence in Maryland, prompting US authorities to charge her ex-boyfriend with murder. Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, who is now the subject of an international manhunt.

According to investigators, Sharma reported Godishala missing on Jan. 2, claiming he last saw her at his Maryland City apartment on New Year’s Eve. Shortly after the complaint, Sharma allegedly left the United States for India. The next day, on January 3, detectives searching the same house found Godishala’s body.

Timeline of the Investigation

Law enforcement officials believe the murder occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. Following the discovery, police filed first- and second-degree murder charges against Sharma. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the suspect, including coordination with international organizations.

Investigators did not release further details about the circumstances surrounding the crime, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

Professional Life and Career in the USA

Godishala was working as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland. He joined the company in February 2025 and within a year was recognized for his work, receiving the firm’s ‘All-In Award’.

In a LinkedIn post celebrating the honor, she talked about carrying forward her sense of purpose and contributing with creativity and commitment as she looks ahead to the year ahead.

Prior to Vheda Health, Godishala worked as a Data Analytics and Visualization Specialist at Management Sciences for Health. He was also associated with the University of Maryland in Baltimore County at an earlier stage of his career in the United States.

Education and Employment in India

Originally from India, Godishala started his professional journey at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals. She worked as a Clinical Pharmacist intern for over a year before moving into the role of Clinical Data Specialist where she worked for approximately two years.

He completed his pharmacy education at Jawaharlal Nehru University of Technology between 2015-2021. To expand his expertise, he later moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Health Information Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Remembered with Passion and Skill

Godishala was fluent in English, Hindi and Telugu and described himself as deeply committed to using data-driven insights to strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes. Friends and colleagues remembered him as driven, accomplished and full of hope as investigations into his death continued.