In brief
Authorities have confirmed the discovery of Zamil Limon's body on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa Bay. Limon, who was pursuing a doctoral degree, went missing alongside his girlfriend, Nahida Bristy, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Police have arrested his roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, on several charges, including unlawfully moving a dead body and tampering with evidence. Investigators are continuing to search for Bristy and appeal to the public for information.
The body of a Bangladeshi doctoral student who went missing with his girlfriend from the University of South Florida was found on a bridge over Tampa Bay, and his roommate has been taken into custody, law enforcement authorities said Friday.
Zamil Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland Bridge, but Nahida Bristy is still missing, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer reported.
Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, Limon’s roommate, 26, was arrested at his family’s home nearby on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. He is expected to make a first appearance in court Saturday morning.
“We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Maurer said, urging the public to come forward with any information. Law enforcement dive teams have also been searching the bay near the bridge.
Authorities confronted Abugharbeih after responding to a domestic violence report at his home. After barricading himself inside, he eventually surrendered, wearing only a blue towel, as a SWAT team and crisis negotiation experts were engaged.
“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.”
Limon, 27, and Bristy, who is also 27, were reportedly considering marriage. They disappeared from campus on April 16, with Limon last seen at his off-campus apartment and Bristy seen an hour later on campus.
Family members reported them missing after being unable to reach them, leading USF police to begin an investigation. Abugharbeih had previously been a USF student but had since been out of school and had multiple run-ins with the law, including arrests related to domestic violence and battery.
Authorities have not identified any additional suspects but are carrying out an autopsy on Limon's remains to determine the cause of death, with results anticipated soon.
