One of two doctoral students reported missing from the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus has been found dead, and authorities have arrested the victim’s roommate in connection with the case.
Hillsborough County deputies arrested 26-year-old Hisham Abugarbieh following an almost 90-minute standoff. Police say the body of Zamil Limon, Abugarbieh’s roommate, was recovered from a bridge near Tampa. Limon and another doctoral student, Nahida Bristy, were last seen on April 16. Bristy remains missing and investigators continue active searches.
Search efforts have included surface and underwater teams using boats and divers in Tampa Bay. Officials briefly closed a neighborhood near the USF Tampa campus as officers conducted the investigation. Investigators had previously listed both students as endangered.
Abugarbieh has been charged with multiple offenses, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death and unlawfully moving a body, according to police statements. Court records show he has prior arrests for offenses such as battery and burglary. He was scheduled to appear in court the day after his arrest.
Family members of Nahida Bristy have publicly appealed for continued searches and for anyone with information to come forward. Bristy’s brother described the family as devastated and reiterated pleas for tips that could help locate her. Law enforcement has not released a motive for the alleged crimes and says the investigation is ongoing.