Trending Now - Suspect in USF Student Killings Faces Court Proceedings

WHO:

CNN - Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were doctoral students from Bangladesh.

CNN - Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is Limon’s roommate and the suspect charged with their murders.

ABC News - Abugharbieh is described as a college dropout.

WHAT:

CNN - Abugharbieh has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon.

ABC News - Abugharbieh could face the death penalty if convicted.

CNN - Limon’s death was ruled a homicide with multiple sharp force injuries, including a deep stab wound to his lower back.

ABC News - Limon's body was found in a waterway near the Howard Frankland Bridge.

CNN - A black trash bag containing Limon's remains was discovered by detectives.

WHERE:

CNN - The events took place in Tampa, Florida, specifically at the University of South Florida and the Howard Frankland Bridge.

ABC News - Limon and Abugharbieh lived in an off-campus apartment complex.

WHEN:

CNN - Limon and Bristy were last seen on April 16.

ABC News - Limon's body was found on a Friday morning following their disappearance.

CNN - Abugharbieh is expected in court for a status hearing on Tuesday.

WHY:

CNN - Prosecutors allege Abugharbieh made suspicious purchases on Amazon, including duct tape and trash bags, prior to the students' disappearance.

CNN - Abugharbieh's mother reported that he struggles with anger management and has a history of violence.

HOW:

CNN - Investigators tracked Abugharbieh’s car and Limon’s phone using cellphone location and license plate reader data.

CNN - Abugharbieh placed a DoorDash order for trash bags, Lysol wipes, and Febreze shortly after the students went missing.

ABC News - Detectives found blood residue leading from the kitchen to Abugharbieh’s bedroom and more blood on his bedroom carpet.

(UPDATED April 28, 2026 11:32 UTC)

In a tragic case out of Tampa, Florida, 27-year-old Zamil Limon and his fellow doctoral student Nahida Bristy have been reported missing, with Limon's body discovered in a waterway near the Howard Frankland Bridge. Hisham Abugharbieh, Limon's 26-year-old roommate and a college dropout, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, and if convicted, he could face the death penalty. Investigators have linked Abugharbieh to the crime through suspicious purchases made prior to the students' disappearance and evidence found in his apartment, including blood residue leading from the kitchen to his bedroom.