TAMPA, FL — A frantic search for two missing University of South Florida students took a devastating turn Friday morning. Authorities confirmed that the body of 27-year-old Zamil Limon, a Bangladeshi doctoral student, was discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
While Limon’s remains have been recovered, his girlfriend, Nahida Bristy, remains missing. Limon’s roommate is now behind bars following a tense SWAT standoff.
The Discovery and the Arrest
Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer announced the heartbreaking find during a Friday press conference. Shortly after the discovery, 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, Limon’s roommate, was taken into custody at his family’s home north of the USF campus.
The arrest followed a dramatic scene where Abugharbeih allegedly barricaded himself inside the residence during a domestic violence call. A SWAT team, drones, and crisis negotiators were deployed before Abugharbeih eventually surrendered, reportedly wearing only a towel.
Abugharbeih currently faces several preliminary charges, including:
- Unlawfully moving a dead body
- Failure to report a death
- Tampering with physical evidence
- False imprisonment and battery
The Search for Nahida Bristy Continues
The community’s focus remains on finding 27-year-old Nahida Bristy, a chemical engineering student. Limon and Bristy were last seen on April 16. Limon was seen at his off-campus apartment, while Bristy was last spotted at a campus science building just an hour later.
“We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Chief Deputy Maurer said.
Dive teams are currently scouring the waters of Tampa Bay near the Howard Frankland Bridge as part of the ongoing search efforts.
Roommate’s Troubled History
Abugharbeih, a former USF student who was not currently enrolled, has a history of legal issues in Hillsborough County. Court records reveal:
- 2023: Arrests for battery and burglary.
- 2023: Two domestic violence petitions filed against him by family members.
- 2024: Completion of a diversion program for first-time offenders, which led to previous misdemeanor charges being discontinued.
A Community in Mourning
Limon was a doctoral student studying geography, environmental science, and policy. Relatives noted that the couple was deeply committed and had been considering marriage before their mysterious disappearance last week.
“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.”
An autopsy for Zamil Limon is scheduled for Saturday morning to determine the exact cause of death. Abugharbeih is also expected to make his first court appearance on Saturday.
How You Can Help
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Nahida Bristy or any details concerning this case, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Even the smallest detail could be vital to the investigation.
Share this post to help keep Nahida’s face in the public eye. Our thoughts are with the families of these students during this unimaginable time.
