One of Two Missing University of South Florida Doctoral Students Found Dead, Roommate Named Suspect

The body of University of South Florida doctoral student Zamil Limon was discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa Bay on Friday, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. His roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, was arrested that same day after law enforcement responded to his home for a reported domestic dispute. Bristy, the second missing student, remains unaccounted for, with her family in Bangladesh being contacted by investigators.

Domestic Violence Ties to Suspect

Abugharbieh, a 26-year-old former USF student, faces multiple charges, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawful movement of a corpse, as outlined in the sheriff’s office news release. His arrest occurred at his family’s residence, where a judge had previously barred him from entering due to domestic violence allegations from his brother. The suspect had been involved in two incidents of battery in 2023, though those charges were later dismissed. Following one incident, his brother secured an injunction preventing him from approaching the home or his family.

“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.

Missing Since April 17

Limon and Bristy, both 27, were reported missing by a family friend on April 17. Limon was last seen on April 16 at around 9 a.m. near his off-campus home, three blocks from the university campus. Bristy was seen an hour later at the Natural and Environmental Sciences Building. University police confirmed their last known whereabouts, but no further details were immediately available.

Family’s Emotional Response

Limon’s family expressed profound distress over the circumstances, with his brother, Zubaer Ahmed, telling CNN, “It’s devastating for us.” The family has been “becoming numb,” he added, emphasizing their desperate need for clarity about the students’ disappearances. “Anything could be possible. We just want to know the truth or what happened to them. It’s not possible that two students disappear out of nowhere,” Ahmed said.

Investigation Progress

Authorities linked Abugharbieh to the case after he barricaded himself in his home during the arrest, requiring a SWAT team and negotiators to assist. Video footage shows him exiting with hands raised and a bath towel tied around his waist. The medical examiner is still determining Limon’s cause of death, with autopsy results potentially released over the weekend. Meanwhile, Bristy’s brother informed CNN that investigators believe she may be deceased, citing blood found in the shared apartment.

University’s Support Commitment

University President Moez Limayem assured faculty and students that staff would maintain communication with the families to provide ongoing support. “Please join me in praying for the families and friends of Zamil, and for the safe return of Nahida,” he urged in a message to the campus community.

Abugharbieh had been interviewed twice by law enforcement before his arrest on Friday. Initially cooperative, he ceased engagement during a Thursday interrogation, prompting investigators to connect him to Limon’s body. His arrest follows a history of domestic violence incidents, though earlier charges were dropped. The injunction against him expired in May, and his brother had sought an extension to avoid his return, which was denied.