The investigation into the disappearance of two University of South Florida (USF) doctoral students concluded tragically this week with the identification of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. Both students, who were from Bangladesh, were victims of a double homicide.
The Timeline of Discovery
April 16, 2026: Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were last seen on the USF Tampa campus.
April 24, 2026: Zamil Limon’s remains were found in a garbage bag on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa.
April 26, 2026: A kayaker discovered more human remains in a garbage bag in the waters near the same bridge.
May 1, 2026: Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister officially confirmed that the second set of remains belonged to Nahida Bristy.
The Suspect and Charges
Limon’s roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, 26, a former USF student, has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths.
Charges: He faces two counts of first-degree murder, along with charges of unlawfully moving a dead body, tampering with evidence, and false imprisonment.
Arrest Details: Abugharbieh was taken into custody after a SWAT standoff at his family’s home on April 24. Police noted he had injuries to his hand and arm at the time of his arrest.
Motive: As of May 2, 2026, investigators have not yet identified a motive for the killings, which they believe were carried out by stabbing.
University and Community Response
The USF community held a vigil on Friday evening, May 1, at Crescent Hill on the Tampa campus to honor the two students.
Zamil Limon: A doctoral student studying geography, environmental science, and policy. He was described by professors as a hardworking and deeply respectful mentor.
Nahida Bristy: A doctoral candidate in chemical engineering.
Support for Families: A GoFundMe page organized by the USF Bangladesh Student Association has raised over $170,000 to help return the students’ remains to their families in Bangladesh for religious burial.
USF President Moez Limayem addressed the tragedy, stating that the names of both Limon and Bristy will be added to the university’s permanent memorial wall behind the Marshall Student Center.
