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A former University of South Florida student has been charged with murdering his roommate and the roommate’s girlfriend, both doctoral students from Bangladesh who disappeared earlier this month, authorities announced Saturday.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with a weapon in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Abugharbieh appeared in court Saturday in Tampa, where a judge ordered him held without bond pending a hearing scheduled for April 28.
While authorities discovered Limon’s remains on the Howard Frankland bridge Friday morning, the search for Bristy continues, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer confirmed. Officials are awaiting autopsy results to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death.
The case began to unfold when officers responded to a domestic violence report at Abugharbieh’s family home just north of the USF campus. After safely evacuating family members, officers encountered a barricaded Abugharbieh who initially refused to surrender. A SWAT team responded with drones, a robot, and crisis negotiators before Abugharbieh eventually emerged wearing only a blue towel.
Abugharbieh was initially taken into custody Friday on preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery before the murder charges were added.
The victims, Limon and Bristy, disappeared from campus on April 16. Family members have indicated the couple was considering marriage. Limon was last seen at the off-campus apartment he shared with Abugharbieh, while Bristy, who lived separately off campus, was last spotted an hour later at a campus science building.
“Their sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Bangladeshi student community at USF,” said a university spokesperson who asked not to be named. International student groups across campus have organized vigils and support sessions in response to the tragedy.
University records show that Abugharbieh attended USF from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management, but was not currently enrolled. By contrast, Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, while Bristy was pursuing a doctoral degree in chemical engineering.
Bristy was a graduate of Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh. The university, which spelled her last name as Brishti, released a statement Saturday describing her as a talented and promising student.
“Her sudden passing has deeply saddened all of us,” said Vice Chancellor Mohammad Ismail. “The university family pays deep respect to her memory. At the same time, we demand punishment for those involved in her death and compensation for the victim’s family.”
Court records reveal that Abugharbieh had several previous encounters with law enforcement. In 2023, he faced charges of battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, classified as misdemeanors. He completed a diversion program for first-time offenders earlier this year, resulting in the discontinuation of those charges.
Additionally, Hillsborough County Court records show two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023. A judge granted an injunction in one case and denied the other petition. Abugharbieh also had a history of traffic violations.
The case highlights growing concerns about campus safety and domestic violence in shared housing situations. Universities nationwide have been implementing additional security measures and support services for international students, who often face unique challenges when navigating unfamiliar legal and social systems in the United States.
Law enforcement officials continue their search for Bristy and are urging anyone with information regarding her disappearance to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact timeline of events and circumstances surrounding the murders. Community members have established a memorial near the USF campus, with flowers and photos honoring the victims.
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7 Comments
This is a heartbreaking situation. My sympathies go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. I hope the authorities can quickly determine what happened and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Deeply disturbing to hear about the charges against the roommate in this case. The disappearance and suspected murder of these students is a true tragedy. My heart goes out to their families and the broader USF community. I hope justice can be served.
This is an absolutely horrific case. I’m shocked and saddened to hear about the alleged murder of these two promising young scholars. My deepest condolences to their community. Wishing for justice and healing in the days ahead.
So sorry to hear about this terrible tragedy involving the missing USF students. My condolences to their families, friends, and the broader university community. I hope the investigation can provide answers and justice.
Disturbing to hear about the charges against the roommate in this case. The disappearance and suspected murder of these students is truly tragic. I hope the investigation can uncover all the facts and bring some measure of accountability.
Tragic news about the missing USF students. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. I hope the authorities can bring the full truth to light and provide some closure.
Absolutely devastating news. These students had their whole lives ahead of them. I’m deeply saddened to hear of their tragic fate. Wishing their loved ones strength and comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.