Former USF Student Charged with Murder of Two Bangladeshi Doctoral Students

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.

A former University of South Florida student has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of two doctoral students from Bangladesh.

The Victims

Zamil Limon, 27, was a doctoral student in geography, environmental science and policy. He was last seen on April 16 at his off-campus apartment, which he shared with Abugharbieh.

Nahida Bristy, 27, was a doctoral student in chemical engineering. She was last seen on April 16 at the Natural and Environmental Sciences Building on the USF Tampa campus.

Both victims were from Bangladesh. According to relatives, they were a couple who had a past romantic relationship and were considering marriage.

Discovery of Remains

Limon's remains were found on the morning of April 18 on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. An autopsy determined he died from "multiple sharp force injuries," including a deep stab wound to the lower back.

Bristy remains missing as of the latest reports. On April 20, law enforcement recovered human remains from waterways south of the Howard Frankland Bridge, but identification is pending. Investigators informed Bristy's family that based on the volume of blood found at the residence, they believe she is dead.

Timeline of Events

• April 16: Limon and Bristy were last seen on the USF campus.
• April 17: A family friend reported both individuals missing after being unable to contact them.
• April 18: Limon's remains were discovered. Abugharbieh was taken into custody after a SWAT standoff at his family's home. He was initially arrested on charges including unlawful moving of a dead body and tampering with evidence.
• April 19-20: Prosecutors presented evidence to a state attorney's office, resulting in upgraded charges of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon for both victims.

Suspect and Charges

Hisham Abugharbieh, a U.S. citizen, was a USF student from spring 2021 through spring 2023 pursuing a bachelor's degree in management. He was not enrolled at the time of his arrest.

He faces the following charges:

• Two counts of premeditated murder in the first degree with a weapon
• Unlawfully moving a dead body
• Failure to report a death
• Tampering with evidence
• False imprisonment
• Battery

Abugharbieh was ordered held without bond. A pretrial detention hearing was scheduled for April 24.

Evidence Presented by Prosecutors

Court documents allege that Abugharbieh asked ChatGPT questions about disposing of a body in the days before the disappearances, including inquiries about putting a body in a garbage bag and changing a car's VIN number.

• Limon's body was found "within numerous black utility trash bags."
• A CVS receipt from April 16 found in the shared apartment listed trash bags, Lysol wipes, and Febreze.
• Investigators found "significant" blood patterns in the apartment from the entry foyer through the kitchen into the hallway and in the suspect's bedroom.
• Abugharbieh's cellphone pinged at the location on the bridge where Limon's remains were found on the night of April 17.
• Abugharbieh had a bandage on his left pinky finger during interviews, which he said was from cutting onions.

Prior Arrests and Family Concerns

Abugharbieh had prior arrests including battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in September 2023 and battery in May 2023, both classified as misdemeanors. He completed a diversion program for first-time offenders in 2024.

Court records show two domestic violence petitions were filed by a family member in 2023, with one injunction granted and the other denied.

Abugharbieh's brother, Ahmad, stated that he called police on April 18 after his brother arrived at the family home behaving strangely. Ahmad reported that Hisham had been estranged from the family since 2023 and that the family had previously warned police about his erratic behavior.

Investigation Status

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has stated it will not comment on specific findings to protect the integrity of the investigation. The search for Bristy continues. No other suspects have been identified. The Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office has been appointed to represent Abugharbieh.