Full Breakdown
Roommate Charged with Murder in Deaths of Two USF Doctoral Students
4/25/2026, 8:21:32 PM
The Disappearances and Discovery
On April 16, 2026, University of South Florida (USF) doctoral candidates Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27 and on student visas from Bangladesh, were last seen in the Tampa area. A family friend reported them missing the following day. On April 24, Limon’s remains were recovered from the Howard Franklin Bridge over Old Tampa Bay. Bristy has not been located; marine and dive teams continue searching the waters beneath the bridge.
Key Individuals and Agencies
- Zamil Limon – PhD candidate in geography, environmental science and policy.
- Nahida Bristy – PhD candidate in chemical engineering.
- Hisham Abugharbieh – 26-year-old former USF student (BS in management, 2021-2023) and Limon’s roommate.
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office – Lead investigative agency; Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer and Sheriff Chad Chronister are its public faces.
- USF Administration – President Moez Limayem and the university police department.
Timeline of Events
- April 16 – Limon and Bristy last seen (? 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.).
- April 17 – Missing report filed after a family friend could not contact either student.
- April 23-24 – Deputies respond to an unrelated domestic-violence call at Abugharbieh’s family home; he barricades himself.
- April 24, morning – Limon’s body found on the Howard Franklin Bridge; Abugharbieh arrested after a brief SWAT standoff.
- April 25 – Sheriff’s Office files two counts of first-degree pre-meditated murder with a weapon against Abugharbieh; additional charges include domestic violence, battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death and unlawful movement of a dead body.
- April 26-27 – Autopsy pending; search for Bristy continues.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Abugharbieh faces:
- Two counts of first-degree pre-meditated murder with a weapon (potential death penalty or life without parole).
- Domestic-violence, simple battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a dead human body.
He is being held without bond; a pre-trial hearing is set for April 28.
Official Statements
Sheriff Chronister said the case “has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution.” Chief Deputy Maurer emphasized that “we are still actively searching for Nahida.” President Limayem urged the campus to pray for the families and to support the ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office declined to disclose further evidentiary details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” — Chad Chronister, Sheriff
- “Please join me in praying for the families and friends of Zamil, and for the safe return of Nahida,” — Moez Limayem, USF President
- “We are still actively searching for Nahida,” — Joseph Maurer, Chief Deputy
- “Police told us she is no longer with us,” — Zahid Prato, brother of Nahida Bristy
- “We are becoming numb.” — Zubaer Ahmed, brother of Zamil Limon
Family Reactions and Calls for Answers
Both brothers expressed frustration and grief, stating they “just want to know the truth” and describing their “deep pain” and “numbness” as the investigation proceeds. Their comments underscore a demand for transparency amid limited public information.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of death: Autopsy results have not been released, leaving Limon’s manner of death undetermined.
- Bristy’s status: Some officials cite blood evidence suggesting she may be deceased, while others maintain she is still missing.
- Missing-report date: Sources list either April 16 or April 17 as the date the disappearance was reported.
- Suspect’s name spelling: Variants include Hisham Abugharbieh, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, and Hashim Abugharbieh.
What Lies Ahead
Search teams will keep probing the bridge area for Bristy’s remains, and the sheriff’s office will release the autopsy findings once available. The upcoming pre-trial hearing will determine Abugharbieh’s bail status and set a schedule for further court proceedings.
