An investigation unfolded in the Lake Forest subdivision of Tampa, Florida, on Friday as authorities confirmed the discovery of a doctoral student's remains. The body of Zamil Limon, one of two Bangladeshi doctoral students missing from the University of South Florida (USF), was found on a bridge over Tampa Bay, and his roommate has been taken into custody, law enforcement officials reported on Friday.
Discovery of Remains
Zamil Limon's remains were located on the Howard Frankland Bridge early Friday morning, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer. However, Nahida Bristy, the other missing student, remains unaccounted for. Limon's roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, was taken into custody at his family's nearby home on preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery.
"We are still actively searching for Nahida," Maurer stated, urging the public to share any useful information.
Arrest and Barricade
Officers encountered Abugharbeih while responding to a domestic violence report at his family's home, just north of the campus. They successfully evacuated his relatives to safety before Abugharbeih barricaded himself inside, refusing to exit. A special tactical team, along with a drone, a robot, and crisis negotiators, was deployed. Eventually, Abugharbeih surrendered, emerging with his hands up, seemingly wearing only a blue towel.
"This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution," said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. "While the discovery of Zamil Limon's remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth."
Background of the Missing Students
Limon and Bristy, both 27, were a couple and were considering marriage, according to a relative. They disappeared from campus on April 16. Limon, who studied geography, environmental science, and policy, was last seen at his off-campus apartment, where he lived with Abugharbeih. Bristy, a chemical engineering student residing on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building. A family friend contacted authorities on April 17 after failing to reach either individual, USF police reported.
Investigation and Suspect
Investigators interviewed Abugharbeih, a U.S. citizen, on Thursday, but he terminated the interview. However, he was speaking with detectives again after his Friday morning arrest, Maurer noted. No other suspects are currently being sought. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the manner and cause of Limon's death, with results possibly available by Saturday morning.
Abugharbeih had previously been a USF student but was not currently enrolled. University records indicate he attended from spring 2021 through spring 2023, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in management. The Sheriff's Office reported that Abugharbeih had prior arrests, including battery and burglary charges in 2023, both classified as misdemeanors. Court records also show two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023, with one injunction granted and the other denied. He also faced traffic violations.
"We will continue to follow every fact, pursue every lead and use every tool available to hold those responsible fully accountable," Chronister said in a statement. "Our thoughts remain with the families of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy during this time."
