Tampa, FL - Human remains identified as Zamil Limon, a doctoral student at the University of South Florida, were discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge Friday morning. Limon, 27, had been reported missing alongside fellow doctoral student Nahida Bristy, also 27. Authorities have taken Hisham Abugarbieh, Limon's roommate, into custody in connection with the case.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed the grim discovery and the arrest. Investigators had elevated the status of both Limon and Bristy to 'endangered' on Thursday. The search for Bristy, a chemical engineering doctoral student, is ongoing.
The finding of Limon's remains and the arrest of his roommate represent a significant development in the inquiry that began with reports of two missing USF doctoral students.
Chronology of Disappearance and Discovery
Limon and Bristy were last seen separately on April 16. Limon, pursuing a degree in geography, environmental science, and policy, was reportedly last seen at his home on Avalon Heights Blvd. Bristy was last observed on the USF Tampa campus at the NES Building around 10 a.m.
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A mutual acquaintance reported both students missing on April 17 after being unable to contact them. University police subsequently processed the missing person reports and entered Limon and Bristy into databases.
On Friday morning, law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call at the home of Hisham Abugarbieh. This incident reportedly triggered further investigative steps that led to the discovery of Limon's remains. Authorities have not publicly detailed the nature of the domestic violence call or its direct link to the students' disappearance, beyond placing Abugarbieh in custody as a person of interest.
Ongoing Search and Background
The investigation remains active, with a particular focus on locating Nahida Bristy. Bristy, originally from Bangladesh, was a doctoral student in chemical engineering at USF. Zamil Limon, also from Bangladesh, was a doctoral student in geography, environmental science, and policy.
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The area around Abugarbieh's Tampa residence was the scene of a significant police presence Friday afternoon as authorities took him into custody. The details surrounding Limon's death and the ongoing search for Bristy are still unfolding.
