UPDATE: APRIL 25, 2026 AT 6:25 A.M.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is additionally facing two counts of murder in the first degree with a weapon (premeditated) in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.
Evidence was presented to the State Attorney’s Office, resulting in further charges against Abugharbieh. To protect the integrity of the investigation, we will not be commenting on the findings in the case.
At this time, the search for Bristy continues. Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
ORIGINAL: APRIL 24, 2026 AT 3:30 P.M.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has located the remains of missing University of South Florida graduate student Zamil Limon, 27, and arrested a suspect in connection with the disappearance of Limon and Nahida Bristy, 27.
What began as a missing persons investigation quickly evolved into a complex, multi-jurisdictional case spanning both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon’s roommate, as a person of interest due to his connection to the missing students. The investigation extended across county lines, leading to an HCSO SWAT response.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, at 9:09 a.m., deputies responded to the 14000 block of Pine Glen Circle in reference to an unrelated domestic violence incident involving Abugharbieh.
Upon arrival, Abugharbieh barricaded himself inside the residence. After multiple lawful commands to exit, he refused to comply. As a result, specialized units were activated, including SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Team, the Crisis Negotiations Team, and the Drone Response Team. At approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, was arrested, and he is facing the following charges:
- Unlawfully Holding or Move a Dead Human Body in Unapproved Conditions
- Failure to Report Death to Medical Examiner or Law Enforcement (Intent to Conceal)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- False Imprisonment
- Battery
Concurrently, detectives were actively following investigative leads in the area surrounding the Howard Frankland Bridge, where the remains of Zamil Limon were located.
“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. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth. We will continue to follow every fact, pursue every lead, and use every tool available to hold those responsible fully accountable. Our thoughts remain with the families of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy during this time.”
“On behalf of USF President Moez Limayem and the members of our department, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Sheriff Chad Chronister, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and all of our Tampa Bay law enforcement partners for their continued collaboration, shared resources, and unwavering commitment throughout this missing persons investigation,” said Chief Chris Daniel.
The search for Bristy is ongoing; anyone with information regarding her disappearance is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
Limon's cause of death will be determined by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office.
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.