TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a body found last weekend in mangroves near the Howard Frankland Bridge was the remains of Nahida Bristy, one of two University of South Florida students last seen in mid-April.
During a news conference Friday morning, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said Bristy and Zamil Limon, a fellow doctoral student, “were murdered in near proximity and around the same time” at their Avalon Heights apartment near the USF campus.
Bristy and Limon, who were both stabbed, were both 27 years old. A motive remains unknown.
Hisham Abugharbieh
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, a roommate of Limon, faces two charges of first-degree murder, among other charges, in connection with the case.
The two USF doctoral students were last seen on April 16. Limon’s remains were discovered early on April 24, near the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Chronister, who said the investigation remains ongoing and would not go into full details about the case, said the investigation took off after the two were reported missing April 17.
“This was calculated,” he said of the murders. “This is what this so premeditated.”
President Moez Limayem shares a message to the USF community following today’s law enforcement update. pic.twitter.com/klIcmzKij2
— University of South Florida (@USouthFlorida) May 1, 2026
While interviewing Abugharbieh and another roommate, officials said Abugharbieh became “elusive and deceptive.”
Abugharbieh, who officials said has a criminal record, was taken into custody after family members called authorities saying Abugharbieh battered family members.
During the investigation last week, Chronister said detectives searched the apartment and the surrounding area. A phone search also detailed red flags. Items belonging to the victims were found in a dumpster.
Limon’s body was identified through fingerprints while Bristy was ID’d through DNA.
After discovering Abugharbieh’s movements to Pinellas County and back after the murders, detectives retraced his paths. While doing so on April 24, authorities spotted a black trash bag on the side of the Howard Frankland Bridge. When they stopped and investigated, they found a body later determined to be Limon.
“He literally left (him) on the side of the highway like a piece of trash,” Chronister said.
Zamil Limon, 27 and Nahida Bristy, 27 (Courtesy: USFPD)
Memorial planned for students
The University of South Florida community is coming together to honor the lives of two students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, with a series of tributes and memorial events.
From 4-7 p.m. Friday, a vigil will be held at Crescent Hill, just north of the student center, where students, faculty and community members are expected to gather in remembrance. The university has already observed moments of silence at recent baseball and softball games, reflecting the widespread impact of the loss.