Texas woman Nicole “Nikki” Winder has been missing since February 25, 2026, and the case has only grown more complex in the months since — with an arson investigation, the arrest of her brother on an unrelated charge and now a public rift between branches of her family.
Here’s a breakdown of everything that has happened in the disappearance of the Brazos County woman.
Nikki Winder Disappeared in February 2026
Winder, 53, was last seen around 3 p.m. on February 25, 2026, leaving a residence where she was employed in the 19000 block of FM 974 in Brazos County, Texas, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said.
About an hour later — and roughly 2 miles from where she was last seen — her white 2025 Chevy truck with black rims was found on fire at an oil pad off FM 974, just north of Highway 21.
“Investigators believe the vehicle fire was the result of arson,” a sheriff’s office press release stated. Despite confirming the fire was set intentionally, police have not publicly shared theories about who may have lit the truck.
The day after the truck was found, the sheriff’s office turned to the public for help.
“The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents in the area to review any available security or game camera footage for a vehicle matching this description traveling in the area between 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on February 25, 2026,” the department wrote on Facebook. “Anyone with relevant footage or information is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office immediately.”
A missing persons poster describes Winder as a white woman who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 130 pounds, with green eyes and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a dark grey shirt and pink pants, though authorities have noted she may have changed clothes since she went missing.
“Authorities believe Nikki may be in danger of death or serious bodily injury, and her whereabouts are currently unknown,” the sheriff’s office said.
To help track her down, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert (Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue) for Winder.
The Search for Nikki Winder Has Expanded
Search efforts began on February 25, 2026, and have only grown. Multiple agencies have joined the effort, including Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit volunteer search and recovery organization based near Houston. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office has also worked with the Texas Rangers, the FBI, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the College Station Police Department.
A $6,000 reward is being offered for any information that helps authorities locate Winder.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Winder’s disappearance.
Nikki Winder’s Brother Dustin Winder Arrested on Unrelated Charge
Nearly two months after Winder vanished, the case took a dramatic turn.
On the morning of April 15, 2026, Winder’s brother, Dustin Winder, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for solicitation of prostitution. Online jail records show the alleged incident occurred on February 17, 2026, which was just over a week before Winder disappeared.
That same day, investigators executed two search warrants at properties in the 19000 block of FM 974, the same area where Nikki was last seen. County tax records list Dustin, 50, as the owner of both properties, which sit just under a mile apart.
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office made it clear that while the warrant evidence emerged from the missing person investigation, the charge against Dustin is a separate matter.
“During today’s operation, Dustin Winder, a 50-year-old Brazos County resident, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for solicitation of prostitution,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “This warrant is based on evidence developed during the course of the investigation but relates to a separate criminal offense and is not connected to Ms. Winder’s disappearance. The search warrants executed today were conducted at properties connected to Mr. Winder.”
A KBTX reporter on the scene observed sheriff’s office vehicles, K-9 units, unmarked trucks and deputies searching a pond aboard a boat as the warrants were carried out.
“Locating Ms. Winder and determining what happened remain the highest priorities of this investigation,” the sheriff’s office said after Dustin’s arrest. “We want to assure the community that every tip and lead is being thoroughly reviewed and investigated.”
It is not currently clear if Dustin has entered a plea or retained legal counsel.
Nikki Winder’s Family Speaks Out
On April 18, 2026, attorney Bruno A. Shimek and private investigator Donnie Manry released a statement on behalf of “The Winder Family,” saying that the family is continuing to pray for Nikki’s safe return as they navigate a difficult time that has become more complicated due to Dustin’s arrest.
“We firmly believe that no family member is involved in Nikki’s disappearance. Our office has been working with the Winder family since the day after Nikki’s disappearance and have furnished all leads and tips that we have come across to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Department, and we will continue to do so,” the statement read.
Two days later, Winder’s son Coy Winder told KBTX that the attorney’s statement does not represent him or his brother. He also asked that he and his brother be left out of public messaging from other relatives.
“We want to make a clear and respectful statement regarding the recent message released on behalf of the ‘Winder family.’ That statement was not made by, nor does it represent, Nikki Winder’s children. Any statements made by an attorney referenced in that release do not speak for us, our views, or our interests, as we are not under legal counsel,” Coy said. “We respectfully ask that we not be included, referenced, or grouped into any public statements made on behalf of other family members or parties. Our focus remains on our mother and on seeking truth, clarity, and justice. We appreciate the continued support and ask for respect of our position during this difficult time.”
How to Help Amid the Search for Nikki Winder
Anyone with information about Winder’s disappearance or whereabouts is asked to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900 or Brazos County Crime Stoppers at 979-775-TIPS. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
