TAMPA, Fla. – The investigation into two missing University of South Florida students took a grim turn this weekend as authorities upgraded charges against 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh to include two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. The shift comes just one day after detectives discovered the remains of Zamil Limon, 27, in an area near the Howard Frankland Bridge.
The case, which authorities describe as a complex investigation spanning both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, centered on Abugharbieh, who was Limon’s roommate.
Events came to a head Friday morning when deputies responded to a domestic violence call at a home on Pine Glen Circle. Abugharbieh reportedly barricaded himself inside the residence, triggering a massive response from SWAT, crisis negotiators, and the Bomb Disposal Team.
He was eventually taken into custody at 10:30 a.m. after a nearly 90-minute standoff.
Initially, Abugharbieh faced a string of charges including false imprisonment, battery, and tampering with evidence.
However, following a review of evidence by the State Attorney’s Office, he is now formally accused of the murders of both Limon and 27-year-old Nahida Bristy. While Limon’s body has been recovered, the search for Bristy continues.
RELATED: Roommate In Custody After Missing USF Student Found Dead Near Howard Frankland Bridge
“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. He noted that detectives are working “relentlessly” to uncover the full details of what happened to the two students. USF Police Chief Chris Daniel also expressed gratitude to the multi-agency task force that tracked the suspect across county lines.
The Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working to determine Limon’s exact cause of death. Meanwhile, investigators are keeping specific findings confidential to protect the integrity of the ongoing case.
Hillsborough County detectives are urging anyone with information on Nahida Bristy’s whereabouts to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.
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