Hisham Abugharbieh Charged with First-Degree Murder in Deaths of Two USF Students

Tampa, FL — Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in the deaths of University of South Florida (USF) doctoral students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. The case has sent shockwaves through the Tampa Bay community as authorities continue their search for Bristy’s remains.

The Timeline: From Missing Persons to Murder Charges

The investigation began on April 17, 2026, when Zamil Limon, 27 and Nahida Bristy, 27, were reported missing. Both were doctoral students at USF, with Limon hailing from Bangladesh and Bristy also an international student. Their disappearance prompted a multi-jurisdictional search involving the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and other local agencies.

On April 24, 2026, authorities located Limon’s body on the Howard Frankland Bridge, which connects Tampa and St. Petersburg. According to court documents filed by prosecutors, Limon died from “multiple sharp force injuries”. The same day, HCSO arrested Abugharbieh, Limon’s roommate, after a standoff at their apartment in the 14000 block of Pine Glen Circle. Initially, Abugharbieh faced charges of domestic violence, tampering with evidence, and unlawfully holding or removing a dead human body.

Less than 24 hours later, prosecutors upgraded the charges to two counts of first-degree murder after presenting new evidence to the State Attorney’s Office. In a pretrial detention motion, prosecutors described the crimes as “brutal and violent,” arguing that Abugharbieh posed a significant danger to the community. The motion stated, “No conditions of release will reasonably protect the community from risk of physical harm.”

The Search for Nahida Bristy Continues

While Limon’s body was recovered, Nahida Bristy remains missing. Prosecutors believe Bristy was “disposed of in a similar way to Limon”, though her remains have not been positively identified. On April 26, 2026, HCSO announced the recovery of human remains from waterways south of the Howard Frankland Bridge, but authorities have not confirmed whether the remains belong to Bristy.

Bristy’s family in Bangladesh was informed of the grim developments. Her brother told CNN affiliate WTSP that investigators believed she may be dead, citing the “amount of blood found in the apartment” shared by Limon and Abugharbieh.

Who Is Hisham Abugharbieh?

Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, a 26-year-old American citizen, lived with Limon in an apartment approximately one mile from the USF campus. The exact duration of their cohabitation and their relationship remains unclear. According to a USF spokesperson, Abugharbieh was enrolled at the university from 2021 to 2023, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management. He is not currently a student or employee of the university.

Abugharbieh has a prior criminal record, including a 2023 charge of battery and burglary. That same year, a relative filed two domestic violence petitions against him, though details of those cases have not been publicly disclosed.

USF Community Responds to Tragedy

The University of South Florida has been deeply affected by the deaths of Limon and Bristy. In a statement, USF President Rhea Law expressed condolences to the families and emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students and faculty during this difficult time. “Our hearts go out to the families of Zamil and Nahida,” Law said. “This is a profound loss for our community, and we are doing everything we can to assist those affected.”

The university has also increased campus security and offered counseling services to students and staff. A vigil was held on April 25, 2026, to honor the victims and provide a space for collective mourning.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Abugharbieh is being held without bond in Hillsborough County Jail. His first court appearance is scheduled for May 1, 2026, where prosecutors will formally present the evidence against him. Given the severity of the charges, the case is expected to draw significant attention from both local and national media.

HCSO continues to urge anyone with information about Nahida Bristy’s whereabouts to contact them at (813) 247-8200. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.

Key Takeaways

• Charges: Hisham Abugharbieh faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon.
• Victims: Zamil Limon, 27, and Nahida Bristy, 27, were USF doctoral students. Limon’s body was found on the Howard Frankland Bridge; Bristy remains missing.
• Evidence: Prosecutors allege the killings were premeditated and involved “multiple sharp force injuries.” Blood found in the apartment suggests Bristy may also be deceased.
• Suspect’s Background: Abugharbieh, 26, is a former USF student with a prior criminal record, including battery and burglary charges.
• Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are searching for Bristy’s remains and have not ruled out further developments in the case.

FAQ

What happened to Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy?

Zamil Limon was found dead on the Howard Frankland Bridge on April 24, 2026, with multiple sharp force injuries. Nahida Bristy, his friend and fellow USF student, remains missing. Authorities believe she may have been killed in a similar manner, though her remains have not been identified.

Who is Hisham Abugharbieh?

Abugharbieh is a 26-year-old former USF student and roommate of Zamil Limon. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Limon and Bristy. He has a prior criminal record, including a 2023 charge of battery and burglary.

What evidence links Abugharbieh to the crimes?

Prosecutors have not disclosed all evidence publicly, but court documents indicate that Abugharbieh was initially charged with tampering with evidence and unlawfully removing a dead human body. The charges were later upgraded to first-degree murder after additional evidence was presented to the State Attorney’s Office. Blood found in the apartment shared by Limon and Abugharbieh has also raised concerns about Bristy’s fate.

What is the status of the investigation?

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are continuing their search for Nahida Bristy’s remains and have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and has urged the public to come forward with any information.

How has USF responded to the tragedy?

The University of South Florida has increased campus security and offered counseling services to students and staff. A vigil was held to honor the victims, and university leadership has expressed condolences to the families of Limon and Bristy.

Looking Ahead

As the legal process unfolds, the Tampa Bay community continues to grapple with the loss of two promising young scholars. The case has highlighted the importance of campus safety and the challenges faced by international students navigating life in a foreign country. For now, the focus remains on justice for Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, and support for their grieving families.

Anyone with information about Nahida Bristy’s disappearance is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.