Roommate Charged with Murder in Deaths of Two USF Doctoral Students
A former University of South Florida student has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the death of one doctoral student and the disappearance of another.
Authorities have charged 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the deaths of University of South Florida (USF) doctoral students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. Limon's remains were discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay on Friday morning, while Bristy remains missing.
Abugharbieh, who was Limon's roommate, was arrested at his family's home following a standoff with law enforcement. He initially faced charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. Subsequent evidence led to the murder charges.
Limon and Bristy, both 27 and originally from Bangladesh, were last seen on April 16. Limon was studying geography, environmental science, and policy, while Bristy was pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering. The couple was reportedly considering marriage.
Sheriff Chad Chronister described the case as "deeply disturbing" and emphasized the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth. Authorities continue to search for Bristy and urge anyone with information to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.