TAMPA, Fla. — Prosecutors are seeking to hold 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh without bond, accusing him of murdering two University of South Florida (USF) students.
According to court documents, Abugharbieh faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of Zamil Ahamed Limon and Nahida Sultana Bristy. Investigators allege both victims were killed inside Abugharbieh’s apartment. Ultimately, Limon’s body was found on the Howard Frankland Bridge on Friday.
“Based on the totality of the circumstances, interviews, evidence, and data, evidence would show Hisham Abugharbieh utilized a bladed instrument to fatally wound Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy multiple times which caused their deaths. Hisham Abugharbieh then utilized various cleaning supplies to clean the scene, and concealed Zamil Limon in large black utility trash bags which were pre-purchased. The body of Zamil Limon was then left on the side of the bridge. Hisham Abugharbieh also discarded the personal items which belonged to Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy in the trash compactor, and the blood evidence discarded demonstrated the presence of both Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon. Hisham’s cellphone places him in the areas of both the victim’s cellular devices as well as the area of Zamil Limon’s dumped body. The same cellular device has search histories and purchases of items associated to the victims’ demise even before the date of their murders,” court documents said.
WATCH: Court documents detail timeline and evidence in USF student double homicide case
Court documents detail timeline and evidence in USF student double homicide case
Court records claim Abugharbieh purchased items later used in the attack and link his vehicle’s driving data to cell phone pings from Limon’s device. Surveillance footage, cell phone records, and physical evidence allegedly place Abugharbieh at key locations tied to the victims’ last known movements. Prosecutors also say he gave false statements to police, attempted to clean the crime scene, and disposed of evidence.
The medical examiner found Limon had multiple lacerations and stab wounds, and his remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition. His death was ruled a homicide.
Prosecutors argue no conditions of release can ensure public safety or guarantee Abugharbieh’s appearance in court. A judge will decide whether he will remain in jail until trial, where he faces the possibility of a capital sentence if convicted.
USF released a statement about Limon and Bristy. It says, in part, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and all who are mourning. This loss has deeply affected our entire university community, and we are committed to honoring their memory through care, respect, and meaningful action. We are grateful to the families for sharing their requests. We have listened carefully, and we respond with sincerity and a commitment to support them in every way we can.”
As the search continues for Bristy, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said they recovered human remains from the waterways in the area of I-275 and 4th Street North. But said, “positive identification of the remains has not been determined at this time, as the body is in the possession of the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Tampa Bay 28 was at the scene Sunday and saw numerous law enforcement officers and the forensics team on site. Hillsborough County State Attorney Susie Lopez was also seen talking with investigators.
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