USF Student's Roommate Charged with Two Counts of First-Degree Murder
A former University of South Florida student has been charged with the murders of two doctoral students from Bangladesh, one of whom was found deceased while the other remains missing.
A former University of South Florida (USF) student has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the deaths of two doctoral students from Bangladesh. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced the charges against 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh on Saturday.
The victims, 27-year-olds Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, were reported missing on April 17 after last being seen on April 16. Limon's remains were discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge on April 24, while Bristy remains missing.
Abugharbieh, a former USF student, was initially arrested on charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. He was taken into custody following a standoff at his family's Tampa-area home.
Sheriff Chad Chronister stated, "This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution."
Limon was pursuing a degree in geography, environmental science, and policy, while Bristy was studying chemical engineering. Authorities continue to search for Bristy and urge anyone with information to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.