Brazos County authorities are actively investigating the disappearance of Nicole “Nikki” Winder, as new evidence has emerged indicating a serious concern for her safety. Blood has been discovered at the location where she was last seen, suggesting a significant injury.
Winder went missing on February 25, and the following day, investigators found her white 2025 Chevy truck ablaze at an oil pad site. Officials have determined that the fire was deliberately set, classifying it as arson.
The sheriff’s office reported that on the day after Winder’s disappearance, blood was found in a driveway in a wooded area near FM 974 on the property where she was last seen. DNA tests have confirmed that the blood belongs to Winder, and the volume of blood points to a potentially severe injury.
While there is no confirmation regarding surveillance footage of Winder’s truck being driven to the oil pad site, law enforcement is pursuing leads on a specific Polaris UTV that witnesses have mentioned after reviewing security camera footage from the time of her disappearance.
Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest in this case. They are currently focused on locating a Polaris UTV with the last four digits of its identification number being 7827. As of now, this vehicle has not been recovered.
In connection with this investigation, Brazos County Crime Stoppers is offering two separate rewards: a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the Polaris ATV and another reward for tips that could help resolve the case.
Individuals with any information regarding the suspected Polaris, including sightings of the vehicle being moved or stored since February 25, are encouraged to reach out to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (979) 775-TIPS (8477).
