BRAZOS COUNTY — Nicole "Nikki" Winder, a 53-year-old mother, has been missing since February 25 after she was last seen leaving work. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office has classified her disappearance as highly suspicious following the discovery of her blood and her intentionally burned vehicle.

Blood belonging to Winder was found on February 26 in a wooded driveway off FM 974, and investigators determined the amount indicates she suffered a serious injury. Her white 2025 Chevy truck was discovered burning the previous day at an oil pad site near the same roadway, and authorities confirmed the fire was deliberately set.

Security camera footage from February 25 captured a Polaris UTV in connection with Winder’s disappearance. Investigators are searching for the vehicle, identified by the last four digits of its VIN—7827—but it has not been located. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the UTV and a separate reward for details that help determine what happened to Winder.

Multiple search warrants have been executed across several properties linked to the investigation. Search teams have extensively combed areas along FM 974 using ground patrols supported by forensic analysis. Early efforts included helicopters, drones, and K9 units, though no trace of Winder was found.

Investigators have identified a possible person of interest seen riding an ATV near where Winder’s truck was located. Authorities are reviewing physical and digital evidence as results continue to come in. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office initially acknowledged Winder could be in danger and continues to treat the case as highly suspicious based on the blood evidence and other findings.