A tragic case involving two missing international students has shocked the community around the University of South Florida, as one student has been found dead and the other is still missing. Authorities have now arrested a suspect, raising serious concerns and leaving many unanswered questions.
Doctoral Student Found Dead on Tampa Bridge
The body of 27-year-old doctoral student Zamil Limon was discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge on Friday. He had been missing along with another student, Nahida Bristy, since last week.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery and said that Bristy is still missing. Officials described the situation as deeply disturbing, with Sheriff Chad Chronister stating that the case has shaken the entire community.
Roommate Arrested as Suspect
Police have arrested Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, a 26-year-old former student at USF. He was taken into custody after authorities responded to a domestic violence call at his residence.
He now faces multiple serious charges, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a dead body.
According to Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer, investigators were able to connect the suspect to both the case and Limon’s body after conducting multiple interviews.
Timeline of Disappearance
Limon and Bristy, both Bangladeshi students aged 27, were reported missing on April 17 by a family friend. They were last seen on April 16 near the university campus.
Limon was last spotted around 9 a.m. at his off-campus home, located just a few blocks from the university. Bristy was seen about an hour later at the Natural and Environmental Sciences Building on campus.
When friends could not contact them the next day, campus police were alerted. As the investigation progressed, authorities raised their status to “endangered” after new information emerged.
Ongoing Search for Nahida Bristy
The search for Nahida Bristy is still ongoing, and authorities continue to follow leads across multiple locations. Officials have not yet confirmed her whereabouts, and the investigation remains active.
University president Moez Limayem said the institution is supporting the families and urged the community to pray for Bristy’s safe return.
Arrest Operation and Suspect Background
During his arrest, Abugharbieh reportedly barricaded himself inside a home, forcing law enforcement to deploy a SWAT team and crisis negotiators. He later surrendered, walking out with his hands raised.
The suspect had a history of domestic violence allegations. He had been arrested twice in 2023 on battery charges, though those cases were later dropped. His brother had also filed a legal injunction against him, claiming he had attacked family members during an argument.
Although the injunction expired last year, the brother had requested an extension, expressing fear for his safety. That request was denied.
Abugharbieh had attended the University of South Florida between 2021 and 2023 while pursuing a degree in management.
Family’s Pain and Search for Answers
The news has left Limon’s family devastated. His brother, Zubaer Ahmed, shared the emotional toll the situation has taken.
He said the family had been in deep pain while waiting for updates and were struggling to understand how two students could suddenly disappear. He described feeling numb and desperate for the truth.
Limon’s Life, Dreams, and Relationship
Zamil Limon had been pursuing a PhD in geography, environmental science, and policy since fall 2024. He was working on a thesis focused on using generative AI to monitor shrinking wetlands in South Florida.
His family described him as a kind and simple person who always carried a smile. He had dreams of returning to Bangladesh after completing his studies to become a university professor.
Limon had also spoken to his family about Nahida Bristy, sharing that they were close and had even discussed the possibility of marriage. He described her as talented, mentioning her skills in singing and cooking.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are still waiting for the medical examiner’s report to determine Limon’s exact cause of death. Officials have said more details may be released soon.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to search for Bristy and gather evidence.
This heartbreaking case has left a deep impact on the University of South Florida community and beyond. The discovery of Zamil Limon’s body and the ongoing search for Nahida Bristy have raised serious concerns about safety and justice.
While an arrest has been made, many questions remain unanswered. Families, friends, and the wider community are now waiting for clarity, hoping for truth, closure, and, most importantly, the safe return of the missing student.
As the investigation continues, this case serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change and how important it is to support those affected during such difficult times.
