1 missing USF doctoral student found dead, roommate in custody: Sheriff

The tragic case of the missing University of South Florida doctoral students has taken a grim turn as investigators discovered the remains of Zamil Limon on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. Limon and his fellow student, Nahida Bristy, went missing on April 16, sparking a desperate search effort by authorities.

According to Joseph Maurer of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the discovery of Limon’s remains led to the arrest of his roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh. A 911 call reporting a domestic violence disturbance at their residence prompted law enforcement to respond, ultimately leading to Abugharbieh’s surrender after a brief standoff.

Abugharbieh, who had been previously interviewed by police during the investigation, now faces charges including unlawfully moving a dead human body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. The circumstances surrounding Limon’s death are still under investigation, with no details provided on Bristy’s whereabouts.

Marine and dive teams are actively searching near the Howard Frankland Bridge for Bristy, as the investigation into the disappearances continues. Both Limon and Bristy, aged 27, were last seen separately in the Tampa area on April 16. Following new information, their status was upgraded to endangered, indicating a heightened risk to their safety.

Limon, a geography, environmental science, and policy student, was last seen at his residence, while Bristy, studying chemical engineering, was last seen at the USF Tampa campus. The two friends were reported missing by a mutual acquaintance, prompting a widespread search effort by campus police and the sheriff’s office.

Authorities urge anyone with information on Bristy’s whereabouts to contact the University of South Florida Police Department. The investigation into this tragic case continues, with the community hoping for Bristy’s safe return and answers surrounding Limon’s untimely death.

The details and updates on this case are crucial, and the diligent efforts of law enforcement and search teams underscore the importance of community support and awareness in times of crisis. ABC News’ Meredith Deliso contributed valuable insights to this ongoing investigation.