Two USF Graduate Students Found Dead as Investigation Unfolds Across Tampa Bay
Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy Double Murder: A tragic development has brought sorrow to the academic community at the University of South Florida, where two missing doctoral students have now been confirmed dead following a multi-agency investigation spanning several days.
Authorities say 27-year-old Zamil Ahamed Limon and 27-year-old Nahida Bristy, both graduate students originally from Bangladesh, were reported missing after last being seen on April 16. Limon, who was pursuing a doctorate in geography, environmental science, and policy, was last seen at his residence on Avalon Heights Boulevard. Bristy, a chemical engineering doctoral student, was last seen on campus near the NES Building.
Concerns were raised when friends and family were unable to reach either student, prompting a missing persons investigation that quickly intensified. Officials noted that it was highly unusual for both individuals to be out of contact, especially with their phones turned off.
The case took a significant turn Friday morning when authorities confirmed that both students had been found deceased beneath the Howard Frankland Bridge. The discovery followed earlier investigative activity at the bridge, where evidence had been collected and transported for forensic analysis. 
At the same time, a large law enforcement operation unfolded at an apartment complex near campus, involving the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, SWAT teams, a bomb squad, and crisis negotiators. A barricaded individual, later identified as 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh, was taken into custody without incident after refusing to exit the residence for a period of time.
Sheriff Chad Chronister confirmed that the suspect was Limon’s roommate. Authorities say deputies initially responded to a domestic-related call at the residence, safely removing family members before engaging with the suspect.
Abugharbieh now faces multiple charges, including domestic violence, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawful removal or concealment of a human body.
Investigators have not yet publicly detailed the full sequence of events leading to the deaths, and the exact circumstances remain under investigation. It is also unclear what evidence recovered earlier from the bridge contributed to the case.
The loss has deeply impacted the university community, where both students were described as dedicated scholars with promising futures. Their disappearance and the subsequent discovery have left classmates, faculty, and loved ones grieving and searching for answers.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation remains active.
As the community mourns, the focus now turns to supporting the families of the victims and honoring the lives of two young scholars whose futures were tragically cut short.
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