Authorities in Tampa have charged a former student with first-degree murder following the death of a University of South Florida doctoral candidate, whose body was discovered on a major bridge over Tampa Bay.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with a weapon in connection with the deaths of Zamil Limon and his friend Nahida Bristy. While Limon’s body has been recovered, Bristy remains missing, with an ongoing search underway.
Limon, 27, was found dead on Friday on the Howard Frankland Bridge. He and Bristy, also 27 and both Bangladeshi doctoral students, had been reported missing a week earlier after last being seen near the university campus.
“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement.
Investigators arrested Abugharbieh on Friday morning after responding to a reported domestic violence incident at his residence.
Prior to the murder charges, he had already been facing multiple counts, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a body.
According to Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer, the suspect had been interviewed at least twice during the investigation but later stopped cooperating. Authorities say they were ultimately able to link him to both the case and Limon’s body.
During his arrest at his family home, Abugharbieh reportedly barricaded himself inside, prompting the deployment of a SWAT team and crisis negotiators. He eventually surrendered without further incident.
Search efforts for Bristy intensified on Friday, with marine and dive teams combing waters near the bridge.
Investigators have indicated that evidence found in the apartment shared by Limon and the suspect suggests Bristy may also be dead, though her body has not been recovered. Authorities have contacted her family in Bangladesh as the search continues.
The two students were reported missing on April 17 after a family friend raised concerns when they could not be reached. Limon was last seen on April 16 at his off-campus residence, while Bristy was last spotted about an hour later at a university science building.
Limon’s family has expressed anguish as they await answers. His brother, Zubaer Ahmed, described the situation as devastating, saying the family had been desperately hoping for clarity.
“It’s not possible that two students disappear out of nowhere,” he said.
Family members also revealed that Limon had been pursuing research in geography and environmental science, focusing on the use of generative AI to monitor shrinking wetlands in South Florida.
He had expressed hopes of returning to Bangladesh after completing his PhD to work as a university lecturer.
University President Moez Limayem said the institution is supporting the families during the crisis and called on the community to keep them in their thoughts.
“Please join me in praying for the families and friends of Zamil, and for the safe return of Nahida,” he said.
The medical examiner is expected to release the cause of Limon’s death following an autopsy, as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the case.
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