TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Murder charges have been filed against the roommate of a doctoral student from Bangladesh who disappeared with his girlfriend earlier this month from the University of South Florida, authorities said Saturday.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, faces two counts of murder in the first degree with a weapon (premeditated) in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both students at USF, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland bridge Friday morning, but Bristy is still missing. Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said on Friday that the search for her continues.
Abugharbieh was initially taken into custody on Friday at his family’s home, facing preliminary charges for unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. Amidst a domestic violence report, officers apprehended him, and he subsequently barricaded himself, leading to a standoff before surrendering voluntarily.
The couple, both 27, was reportedly contemplating marriage. They disappeared from campus on April 16. Limon was last seen at his home in an off-campus apartment complex, while Bristy was last seen at a campus science building.
Bristy remains unaccounted for as investigations continue, and anyone with information on her disappearance is urged to contact Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Autopsy results on Limon are expected soon.
Abugharbieh, previously a student at USF, had faced misdemeanor charges in the past but entered a diversion program after being accused of domestic violence. He is currently not enrolled at the university.
