Remains of second missing USF student identified as investigators uncover gruesome double murder plot
(Hisham Abugharbieh, arrested and charged, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
(May 2, 2026) Authorities have identified the remains of the second University of South Florida (USF) doctoral student killed in a chilling and calculated double homicide that has shaken the campus community.
Nahida S. Bristy, 27, a chemical engineering Ph.D. student, was confirmed on May 1, 2026, as the second victim after her remains were discovered on April 26 in a trash bag among mangroves near Interstate 275 and 4th Street North, close to the Howard Frankland Bridge. The discovery was made by kayakers. Forensic identification took several days due to the advanced state of decomposition.
Her friend, Zamil Limon, also 27, a doctoral student studying geography, environmental science and policy, had been found days earlier on April 24. His remains were located in a trash bag along the shoulder of the Howard Frankland Bridge after investigators tracked GPS data linked to the suspect’s vehicle. Authorities said Limon had been stabbed multiple times.
Both students were last seen on April 16, 2026 — Limon at his Tampa residence that morning and Bristy shortly after on the USF campus. Concern grew when neither attended academic obligations, prompting friends to report them missing on April 17.
Investigators soon focused on Limon’s roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh. Evidence recovered from their shared apartment — including blood traces, discarded personal items, and cleaning materials — led authorities to believe the killings were premeditated. Deputies later discovered the bodies had been transported using an apartment cart and disposed of in separate locations.
Abugharbieh was arrested April 24 following a domestic disturbance call made by his family, which led to a SWAT response and his peaceful surrender. He now faces two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon and is being held without bond.
According to investigators, a forensic analysis of the suspect’s digital activity revealed disturbing searches conducted prior to the killings. Prosecutors allege Abugharbieh used ChatGPT and other tools to ask questions such as whether a knife could penetrate a skull and how to dispose of a body in a trash bag. In one exchange, after being warned about the danger of such actions, he allegedly asked how authorities would detect the crime.
Sheriff Chad Chronister described the killings as “calculated” and “gruesome,” noting that evidence suggests careful planning days in advance, including the purchase of contractor bags, duct tape, and cleaning supplies.
Despite the mounting evidence, a clear motive behind the killings has not yet been determined, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities say both victims, originally from Bangladesh, were highly regarded scholars. Efforts are underway to return their remains to their families for burial. For more on these gruesome and senseless killings, see the video accompanying this article.
~
(Sources: ABC News, Fox 13 Tampa Bay, WTSP, University of South Florida Police Department)
(Cover photo of Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon, Image credits: USF Police)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
