Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, a 26-year-old US citizen and former University of South Florida (USF) student, has emerged as the central figure in the investigation into the death of Bangladeshi doctoral student Zamil Limon and the disappearance of Nahida Bristy, with his past record and personal links drawing increasing scrutiny.
Abugharbeih, 26, has been taken into custody. He lived as a roommate of Limon.
The suspect, who previously attended USF between the spring 2021 and spring 2023 semesters pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management, was not enrolled at the time of his arrest, university officials said, according to Newsweek.
Investigators said this proximity, coupled with inconsistencies during questioning, brought him under early suspicion.
He had been interviewed at least twice by law enforcement before his arrest and was initially cooperative, but stopped engaging with investigators during questioning on Thursday, officials said, reports CNN.
By Friday, authorities said they were able to “link the suspect to this case and to (Limon’s) body”, marking a critical development in the probe.
Abugharbieh’s criminal history further intensified investigators’ focus. According to Hillsborough County court records, he was arrested twice in 2023 on charges of battery, which were later dropped. In a separate case in September that year, he was charged with battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. An earlier battery charge in May was also recorded. All were classified as misdemeanours, and records suggest he may have entered a diversion programme.
Court documents also reveal a pattern of domestic unrest. In 2023, a family member filed two domestic violence petitions against him. A judge granted an injunction in one case and denied another. In filings, his brother alleged Abugharbieh attacked both him and their mother during an argument in which he was being asked to leave the family home.
The injunction barred him from approaching his brother or the residence. Although it later expired, a request to extend it was denied, despite the brother stating he did not want to “run the risk of him returning”.
Notably, Abugharbieh was arrested at that same family home -- despite having previously been prohibited from entering it under court order -- after deputies responded to a domestic violence call just north of the USF campus.
Authorities said officers secured the safety of family members before Abugharbieh barricaded himself inside the house. A SWAT team and crisis negotiators were deployed, and he later surrendered peacefully. Video footage showed an armoured vehicle stationed outside as he exited with his hands raised.
He now faces multiple charges, including domestic violence, simple battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death to law enforcement or a medical examiner, and unlawfully holding or moving a dead human body in an unapproved condition. He has not yet been formally charged with Limon’s death.
The investigation centres on two Bangladeshi PhD students -- Limon and Bristy, both aged 27 -- who were reported missing after last being seen on April 16.
Limon’s remains were recovered from the Howard Frankland Bridge, while Bristy remains missing. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said marine and dive teams are continuing searches in the surrounding waters.
According to WFLA News Channel 8, Limon was pursuing a PhD in geography, environmental science and policy, while Bristy is a doctoral student in chemical engineering at USF.
Police said Limon was last seen at around 9:00am on April 16 at his residence in Tampa. Bristy was last seen at around 10:00am the same day at the university’s Natural and Environmental Sciences building.
Bangladesh’s embassy in Washington confirmed the developments, with Press Minister Golam Mortoza describing the case as “extremely heartbreaking” in a Facebook post, noting that Limon’s body was recovered after police questioned his roommate.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, as authorities continue efforts to locate Bristy and determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.
