Blood found in a rural Brazos County driveway has been confirmed as belonging to missing woman Nicole “Nikki” Winder, tightening the focus of an already intense investigation that also includes a burned pickup truck and a missing UTV that deputies say could be key to the case.
Winder’s white 2025 Chevrolet pickup was discovered burning the same afternoon she was last seen, at an oil-pad site, and investigators say the fire was intentionally set. Authorities are now asking the public to help locate a green Polaris Ranger UTV with a VIN ending in 7827 that they believe is tied to her disappearance, which they describe as highly suspicious.
Investigators confirm blood match
Samples of blood collected from a driveway along FM 974 were sent for forensic testing and have now been confirmed as a match to Winder. Officials say the amount of blood recovered suggests a serious injury.
Emphasizing the scale of the probe, Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dickey said deputies are pursuing every lead they can find. “The community wants answers, the family wants answers,” he said, as investigators continue to work the case, according to KBTX.
Truck torched, UTV sought
Winder was last seen on Feb. 25. That same afternoon, her truck was found on fire at an oil pad site, and fire investigators later determined the blaze was arson.
After security camera footage was circulated and the public sent in tips, investigators identified a green 2014 Polaris Ranger XP 900 that may be connected to what happened. Deputies are looking for a Polaris with a VIN ending in 7827, according to KXXV.
Rewards and how to tip
Brazos County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the Polaris. A separate reward is available for information that helps resolve the overall case.
Anyone who noticed suspicious activity along FM 974 between Highway 21 and Macey Road on or around Feb. 25 is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900 or Brazos County Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.
Investigation remains active
Investigators say they have executed multiple search warrants and conducted extensive ground searches, and they continue to process forensic and digital evidence as it becomes available. No suspects or persons of interest have been publicly named, and authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing, according to a news release from the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office reproduced by WTAW.
