An investigation is underway in the Lake Forest subdivision of Tampa, Florida, after the body of a University of South Florida (USF) doctoral student was discovered on a bridge over Tampa Bay. The roommate of the deceased student has been taken into custody, according to law enforcement authorities on Friday.
Discovery of Remains
The remains of Zamil Limon, 27, were found on the Howard Frankland Bridge early Friday morning. However, Nahida Bristy, also 27, remains missing, said Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer. Limon and Bristy, both Bangladeshi doctoral students at USF, had been missing since April 16.
Arrest of Roommate
Limon's roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, was arrested at his family's home near the campus. He faces preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. Officers encountered Abugharbeih while responding to a domestic violence report at his family's residence. He barricaded himself inside before surrendering to a special tactical team, wearing only a blue towel.
“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community,” said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, our detectives are working tirelessly to uncover the truth.”
Background of the Missing Students
Limon and Bristy were a couple considering marriage, according to a relative. Limon, studying geography, environmental science, and policy, was last seen at his off-campus apartment. Bristy, a chemical engineering student, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building. A family friend contacted authorities on April 17 after failing to reach either student.
Investigation Details
Investigators interviewed Abugharbeih on Thursday, but he ended the interview. He was speaking with detectives again after his arrest Friday morning. No other suspects are identified at this time. An autopsy will determine the cause of Limon's death, with results possibly available Saturday. Abugharbeih was a former USF student, not currently enrolled, and had prior arrests for battery and burglary in 2023. Court records also show domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023.
“We will follow every fact, pursue every lead, and hold those responsible fully accountable,” Chronister said. “Our thoughts remain with the families of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.”
