A tragic case involving a former University of South Florida student has emerged as authorities investigate the disappearance and deaths of two doctoral students. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. Both victims were pursuing advanced degrees at USF and had vanished earlier in April.
### Charges and Legal Proceedings
Abugharbieh made his initial court appearance on Saturday in Tampa, where he was ordered to remain in custody without bond. Scheduled to appear again on April 28, he faces not only murder charges but also preliminary charges including unlawful disposal of a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. As of now, court records do not indicate that Abugharbieh has retained legal counsel.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that Limon’s remains were located on the Howard Frankland Bridge on April 21, 2026, although Bristy remains missing. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate her as they conduct investigations into the circumstances surrounding these serious allegations.
### Timeline of Events
The sequence leading to these events began when Limon and Bristy disappeared from the USF campus on April 16. Limon was last seen at their off-campus apartment, while Bristy was last spotted at a campus science building. Family members confirmed that the two were considering marriage.
Abugharbieh was taken into custody shortly after reports of domestic violence at his family home, located north of the university. When officers arrived, they successfully evacuated family members but found Abugharbieh barricading himself inside. A SWAT team, equipped with a drone and robot, eventually negotiated his surrender, during which he emerged wearing only a towel.
### Background of the Victims
Zamil Limon, 27, was studying geography, environmental science, and policy, while Nahida Bristy, also 27, specialized in chemical engineering. A graduate of Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bristy was described by officials from her school as a promising Ph.D. candidate. Vice Chancellor Mohammad Ismail expressed condolences, stating, “Her sudden passing has deeply saddened all of us. The university family pays deep respect to her memory.”
### Past Incidents and Arrests
Court records reveal that Abugharbieh has a history of previous arrests. In 2023, he faced charges of battery and burglary related to an unoccupied dwelling, classified as misdemeanors. He had enrolled in a diversion program which he completed successfully in 2024, leading to those charges being dismissed.
Additionally, the sheriff’s office confirmed that Abugharbieh had two domestic violence petitions filed against him by a family member in 2023. In one case, a judge granted an injunction, while the other was denied.
### Ongoing Search for Bristy
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its efforts to locate Nahida Bristy. Authorities have urged anyone with information about her disappearance to come forward. The community is on alert, and the investigation remains a crucial focal point for law enforcement teams.
As the legal proceedings develop against Abugharbieh, the case has raised questions about campus safety and the challenges of identifying and addressing domestic violence within educational communities.
With investigations ongoing and further legal steps anticipated, the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of Limon and Bristy continue to unfold, leaving their families, friends, and the university community in mourning.
Source: Original Reporting
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