TAMPA, Florida (AP) — A former University of South Florida student has been charged with killing his roommate and the roommate’s girlfriend — two doctoral students from Bangladesh who disappeared earlier this month, authorities noted Saturday.
Breaking, Limon was last seen at his home in an off-campus apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbieh. Limon and Bristy, both 27, were considering getting married, a relative stated. They disappeared from campus on April 16. Bristy, who lived on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building.
Breaking, Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is facing two counts of premeditated murder in the first degree with a weapon in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, students at USF, as reported by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
At the same time, Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland Bridge on Friday morning, but Bristy is still missing, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer stated on Friday.
Abugharbieh, a native-born U.S. citizen, was initially taken into custody on Friday at his family’s home on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and battery.
Developing, But then he barricaded himself inside and refused to come out. A SWAT team responded — along with a drone, a robot and crisis negotiators — before Abugharbieh came out with his hands up, apparently wearing nothing but a blue towel. Officers encountered Abugharbieh as they responded to a report of domestic violence at his family’s home, just north of the campus, and were able to move his relatives to safety.
At the same time, Limon was last seen at his home in an off-campus apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbieh. Limon and Bristy, both 27, were considering getting married, a relative noted. They disappeared from campus on April 16. Bristy, who lived on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building.
In addition, An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results are expected Saturday morning, Maurer remarked Friday.
However, Abugharbieh had been a USF student but was not currently enrolled. University records demonstrated he had attended the school from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, and had pursued a BS in Management, a university spokesperson remarked.
In addition, Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy was studying chemical engineering. candidate and described her as a talented and promising student.
Meanwhile, “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.” “Her sudden passing has deeply saddened all of us,” Vice Chancellor Mohammad Ismail noted.
The search for Bristy continues. Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition, Abugharbieh had several previous arrests, the sheriff’s office noted. He was charged with battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in September 2023, and with battery that May — both classified in court records as misdemeanors.
He completed the program in 2024 and the charges were discontinued. A phone call to his lawyer in that case was not immediately returned. Court records show Abugharbieh entered into a diversion program for first-time offenders charged with misdemeanors.
A judge granted an injunction in one case and denied the other petition. Hillsborough County Court records also revealed two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023. He also was accused of traffic violations.
