US authorities have charged the roommate of a University of South Florida doctoral student who was found dead after being reported missing for more than a week with murder, USA Today reported. Officials are still searching for the second missing student.
The two students, Zamil Limon and Nahida S Bristy, both 27, have been missing since April 16 when they were last seen in the Tampa area. Limon’s remains were discovered April 24, and his roommate Hisham Abugarbieh was arrested on multiple charges, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
Read also | Texas man charged with attempted murder of Sam Altman
The sheriff’s office announced Saturday morning that Abugarbieh, 26, is now charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon in the deaths of Limon and Brista, who is still missing. He previously faced charges of unlawful possession or transfer of a dead body, failure to report death with intent to conceal, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and assault.
While the sheriff’s office noted that evidence has been turned over to the state attorney’s office, officials would not release more details about the investigation’s findings. Additionally, it was not immediately clear whether Abugarbieh had a lawyer available to comment on his behalf.
Read also | Twist in the Charlie Kirk murder: A bullet fragment fails to link Robinson to the rifle
A Deeply Disturbing Case: The Sheriff
Commenting on the incident, Sheriff Chad Chronister noted, “This is a deeply troubling case that has shaken our community and affected many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” adding, “While the discovery of Zamilo Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives have worked and are working tirelessly and tirelessly, we will relentlessly use every tool available to uncover the truth. Those responsible are fully accountable.”
Remains of missing student found
Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said at a news conference Friday that Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. An autopsy is being performed on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results are expected Saturday morning, Maurer said Friday.
Abugarbeih arrested for domestic incident
According to the report, earlier in the day, law enforcement responded to an unrelated domestic incident involving the 26-year-old suspect in the case, and upon arrival, Abugarbieh “barricaded himself inside the residence” and refused to comply with commands to leave, the sheriff’s office said. A SWAT team and other specialized units had to be dispatched to arrest Abugarbieh.
According to the AP, he was a student at USF but was not currently enrolled. University records showed he attended school from spring 2021 to spring 2023 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management, a university spokesman said.
The search for Bristy continues
The sheriff’s office added that the search for Bristy is ongoing, adding that anyone with information about her disappearance should contact authorities. Limon and Bristy were reported missing by a family friend who had not heard from them on April 17.
What do we know about Limon, Bristy
Limon was last seen at his home in an off-campus apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbieh. Bristy, who lived on campus, was last seen an hour later in the campus science building. Limon studied geography, ecology and politics, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reported. Bristy is studying chemical engineering.
