Zamil Limon Found Dead – Nahida Bristy Missing – Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih In Custody
When foreign students come to the US to study, they don’t leave their customs back home. Authorities are now looking into whether this was a love triangle or an honor killing.
By SyndicatedNews | SNN.BZ
TAMPA, Fla. (Syndicated News) — The roommate of one of two missing University of South Florida doctoral students was arrested Friday after authorities recovered human remains identified as 27-year-old Zamil Limon on the Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay. The second student, Nahida Bristy, 27, remains missing as the investigation continues.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office officials announced at a Friday afternoon press conference that Limon’s remains were discovered Friday morning on the bridge. His roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih (also spelled Abugarbieh or Abugharbieh in some reports), was taken into custody following a barricade situation at a family home in the Lake Forest community near the USF Tampa campus.
Limon and Bristy, both originally from Bangladesh, were reported missing after last being seen on or around April 16. Limon, a doctoral student in geography, environmental science and policy, was last seen at the apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbeih. Bristy, who was pursuing a degree in chemical engineering and lived on campus, was last seen about an hour later at a campus science building. The pair were described by a relative as a couple considering marriage. A family friend contacted authorities after being unable to reach either student.
Abugharbeih, a U.S. citizen and former USF student who attended from spring 2021 through spring 2023 but was not currently enrolled, faces preliminary charges including domestic violence (through simple battery), false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully holding or moving a dead human body.
Deputies responded to a domestic violence call at Abugharbeih’s family home Friday morning. They safely removed relatives from the residence before Abugharbeih barricaded himself inside. A SWAT team was called, and he eventually emerged peacefully and was arrested. Some reports described him being taken into custody wearing only a towel.
Abugharbeih had spoken with investigators the previous day but ended the interview early, according to Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer. He was questioned again following his arrest. Authorities said there are no other suspects at this time.
Limon’s remains are undergoing an autopsy, with results expected Saturday morning to determine the cause and manner of death. Bridge lanes were temporarily closed during the investigation but have since reopened.
Abugharbeih had a prior criminal history, including misdemeanor charges for battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in 2023, as well as previous domestic violence petitions filed by a family member.
Maurer emphasized that the search for Nahida Bristy remains active. “We are still actively searching for Nahida,” he said, urging anyone with information to contact authorities.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Florida and national outlets as investigators work to piece together the events leading to the students’ disappearance more than a week ago.
Anyone with information about Bristy’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or USF Police. This is an ongoing investigation, and charges against Abugharbeih are preliminary.
