The remains of Nahida Bristy, a 27-year-old doctoral student at the University of South Florida (USF), were confirmed through DNA analysis, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. Bristy’s body was found in Tampa Bay on Sunday, following the discovery of her friend Zamil Limon’s remains last week near the Howard Frankland Bridge. Both victims were last seen on April 16. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon’s roommate, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a body. He is being held without bond.
Investigation Details
Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that Bristy’s remains were identified through DNA, dental records, and clothing matching descriptions from surveillance footage. Limon’s body was found in multiple black plastic bags and showed signs of multiple stab wounds, with his hands and ankles bound. Abugharbieh allegedly used a cart to transport the bodies and searched online for methods to dispose of them, including queries to ChatGPT about burying a body in a trash bag. The motive remains unclear.
Background and Family Reactions
Abugharbieh’s family had previously reported his erratic behavior, including violent outbursts and delusional claims of being God, according to a 2023 protective order. Limon’s family and friends expressed shock, noting he had raised concerns about Abugharbieh. The victims’ families, both from Bangladesh, are working with authorities to repatriate the bodies for religious burial rites.
Legal Proceedings
Abugharbieh was arrested after a standoff with police following a domestic dispute reported by his family. Prosecutors allege he acted with premeditation, citing his online searches and the calculated disposal of the bodies. The investigation is ongoing.