Hisham Abugharbieh, the man detained after two Bangladeshi doctoral students vanished from the University of South Florida (USF), has been formally charged with two counts of murder. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced on Saturday that Abugharbieh faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in connection with the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.
Discovery of Remains and Charges
Limon's remains were discovered on Friday morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay. Bristy remained missing as of Saturday morning. Despite this, evidence presented to the local state attorney's office led to Abugharbieh being charged with her murder as well. The sheriff's office declined to comment on specific findings to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Arrest and Standoff
Following the discovery of Limon's remains, Abugharbieh was arrested at his family's home near the campus on preliminary charges, including unlawful moving of a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. Officers encountered him while responding to a domestic violence report at the home. After safely removing his relatives, Abugharbieh barricaded himself inside. A special tactical team, along with a drone, a robot, and crisis negotiators, responded before he surrendered with his hands up, reportedly wearing only a blue towel.
Victims' Background
Limon and Bristy, both 27, were a couple considering marriage, according to a relative. They disappeared from the USF campus on April 16. Limon, a geography and environmental science and policy student, was last seen at his off-campus apartment, where he lived with Abugharbieh. Bristy, a chemical engineering student living on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building. A family friend contacted authorities on April 17 after failing to reach either individual.
Investigation Details
Investigators interviewed Abugharbieh, a U.S. citizen, on Thursday, but he ended the interview. He was speaking with detectives again after his arrest on Friday. He is considered the only suspect in the case, which has garnered national media attention. An autopsy was being conducted on Limon to determine the cause and manner of death, with results possible by Saturday.
“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and affected many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly to uncover the truth.”
Abugharbieh's Background
Abugharbieh had previously studied at USF but was not enrolled at the time of his arrest. University records show he attended from 2021 to 2023, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in management. The sheriff's office noted several prior arrests, including charges of battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in September 2023 and battery in May 2023, both classified as misdemeanors. Court records indicate he may have entered a diversion program. Additionally, two domestic violence petitions were filed by a family member in 2023, with a judge granting an injunction in one case and denying the other.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
