A heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case has shaken the community at the University of South Florida (USF), where a missing doctoral student has been found dead and his roommate now faces two counts of first-degree murder. The case, which unfolded over ten days in April, has drawn national attention and left families searching for answers.
Victims Identified
Authorities have identified the deceased student as Zamil Limon, 27, a doctoral candidate in Geography and Environmental Science and Policy originally from Bangladesh. His body was discovered on April 25 on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
A second student, Nahida Bristy, 27, a doctoral candidate in Chemical Engineering, remains missing as of April 26. Investigators believe she is also a victim, though her body has not yet been recovered.
Timeline of Events
April 16 – Last Known Sightings
Both students were last seen on the same day. Limon left his residence in Tampa around 9 a.m., while Bristy was spotted later that morning on the USF campus. Neither was heard from again.
April 18 – Missing Reports Filed
Concerned after being unable to contact them, a mutual friend alerted authorities. The USF Police Department filed missing persons reports and entered both individuals into state and national databases.
April 24 – Case Escalates
Investigators upgraded both cases to “endangered missing,” signaling a credible threat to their safety. This marked a turning point in the investigation, intensifying search efforts.
April 25 – Body Found, Suspect Arrested
Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at the apartment shared by Limon and his roommate. After a brief SWAT standoff, the suspect surrendered. Around the same time, Limon’s body was discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
April 26 – Murder Charges Announced
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office formally charged the roommate with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, one for each victim.
The Accused
The suspect has been identified as Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, 26, a former USF student who had previously studied management. He was not enrolled at the university at the time of the alleged crimes but was living with Limon.
Authorities revealed that Abugharbieh is being held without bond and is facing multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- Evidence tampering
- False imprisonment
- Battery
Investigators described the case as particularly troubling due to the relationship between the suspect and the victim, who had been roommates.
Disturbing Details from the Investigation
Law enforcement officials reported discovering a significant amount of blood inside the shared apartment, indicating a violent incident. The severity of the evidence led investigators to believe early on that both students were likely deceased—even before Bristy’s body was located.
Marine and dive teams continue to search the waters near the Howard Frankland Bridge in hopes of finding Bristy and providing closure to her family.
Community and Family Response
The tragedy has deeply impacted both the USF community and the victims’ families overseas. Zamil Limon’s brother expressed the emotional toll of the ordeal, saying the family is desperate for answers and truth.
At Bristy’s alma mater in Bangladesh, Noakhali Science and Technology University, officials described her as a brilliant and promising scholar, calling her loss devastating and urging justice.
USF leadership has stated that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety and confirmed cooperation with international authorities, including diplomatic representatives connected to the victims’ families.
What Happens Next
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court, where prosecutors are expected to present initial evidence in what could become a complex and closely watched trial. Authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive, and the cause of Limon’s death remains pending autopsy results.
Meanwhile, the search for Nahida Bristy continues, with investigators urging anyone with information to come forward.
A Community in Mourning
What began as a missing persons case has evolved into a tragic double homicide investigation, leaving a university and two families grieving. As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain unanswered—but authorities say they are committed to delivering justice.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as new information emerges.