Former USF Student Charged with Murder of Two Bangladeshi Doctoral Students
A former University of South Florida student has been charged with the murders of two Bangladeshi doctoral students, one of whom was his roommate. The body of one victim has been found, while the other remains missing.
A former University of South Florida (USF) student has been charged with the murders of two Bangladeshi doctoral students who disappeared earlier this month. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of his roommate, Zamil Limon, and Limon's girlfriend, Nahida Bristy, both 27.
Limon's remains were discovered Friday morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay. Bristy remains missing, and authorities continue to search for her.
Abugharbieh was arrested at his family's home after 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. Following the discovery of Limon's body, the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder.
Limon was pursuing studies in geography, environmental science, and policy, while Bristy was a chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate. Both were considering marriage.
Abugharbieh had attended USF from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management, but was not currently enrolled. He has a history of legal issues, including previous arrests for battery and burglary, and had completed a diversion program for first-time offenders.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information regarding Bristy's disappearance to come forward.