05/27/2026
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟓/𝟐𝟕/𝟐𝟔
𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 "𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢" 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫
The Brazos County Sheriff's Office is providing an update regarding the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nicole "Nikki" Winder, who has been missing since Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026 — the day after Nikki was reported missing — investigators located blood in a driveway around FM 974, on the property where Nikki had last been seen. The area where the blood was located is wooded and is shielded from the line of sight of the residence on that property. Samples were collected at the scene and submitted for forensic testing.
Laboratory results have now confirmed that the blood recovered from that location belongs to Nicole "Nikki" Winder. The amount of blood recovered reflects a serious injury.
This finding, taken together with the discovery of Nikki's white 2025 Chevy truck — which was located on fire on an oil pad site the same afternoon she was last seen, and which investigators have determined was the result of arson — has heightened concern for Nikki's safety and wellbeing. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are considered highly suspicious.
Following the release of security camera footage on the Brazos County Sheriff's Office social media, investigators received tips from the public identifying a specific Polaris UTV. Investigators are working to confirm or rule out this Polaris as the vehicle captured in the footage on February 25, 2026. The Brazos County Sheriff's Office is grateful to the community members who came forward with information. The last four digits of the VIN of the specific Polaris investigators are seeking are 7827. Investigators have searched for this Polaris but have not located it.
Brazos County Crime Stoppers is offering two separate rewards in connection with this investigation: a $1,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the Polaris ATV, and a separate reward for information leading to the outcome of this case. Tips to Crime Stoppers may be submitted anonymously.
The Brazos County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who has seen this Polaris being moved, transported, stored, or otherwise observed at any point on or after February 25, 2026, to contact the Sheriff's Office immediately.
In the weeks since Nikki's disappearance, investigators have executed multiple search warrants at properties as part of continued efforts to gather physical evidence and recover items of investigative interest. These searches have been conducted alongside extensive ground searches and forensic work, and they reflect the seriousness with which every aspect of this case is being pursued.
Investigators continue to collect and process physical evidence from multiple locations connected to this investigation, and results from forensic and digital evidence analyses are beginning to come back. Each result is being carefully reviewed and incorporated into the broader investigation, and investigators will continue to follow every lead these analyses generate. Search teams have extensively covered the properties and surrounding areas along FM 974, and investigators continue to pursue every tip and lead received from the public and partner agencies. While significant ground has been covered, this investigation remains active and ongoing, and resources remain available and ready to deploy as new information develops.
Behind every update and every search is a family waiting for answers. The Brazos County Sheriff's Office is grateful for the support and tips that have come in from people who care about bringing Nikki home. If you saw something, heard something, or have any information — no matter how small it is, please reach out. A single piece of information may be what brings answers to Nikki's family.
Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Nicole "Nikki" Winder, the Polaris UTV, or anything observed in the area of FM 974 — particularly between Highway 21 and Macey Road — on or around February 25, 2026, is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff's Office at (979) 361-4900 or Brazos County Crime Stoppers 979-775-TIPS (8477). Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymously.
Media inquiries regarding this case may be directed to Deputy Nathan Dennis at the Brazos County Sheriff's Office.
