Sheriff Chronister provides update on murder of 2 USF students – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Tampa, Fla. – Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced significant developments in the investigation of two slain University of South Florida doctoral students during a recent press conference. The suspect, identified as the roommate of one victim, now faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon.[1][2] What started as a missing persons case quickly escalated, leaving the Tampa Bay area reeling from the tragic outcome.
Path from Disappearance to Double Homicide
The ordeal began on April 16 when Zamil Limon, a 27-year-old doctoral candidate in geography, environmental science, and policy, was last seen at his off-campus home on Avalon Heights Boulevard around 9 a.m. Just an hour later, Nahida Bristy, also 27 and pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering, disappeared after being spotted at the NES Building on the USF campus.[2][3] A family friend alerted authorities the following day, prompting missing persons reports and entries into national databases.
Investigators elevated the case status by April 23, conducting searches that included dive teams at locations like Sand Key Park in Clearwater. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with Pinellas County counterparts, signaling the probe’s growing scope across jurisdictions.[2]
- April 17: Missing persons reports filed after family friend raises alarm.
- April 21: USF police publicly seek help locating Limon and Bristy.
- April 23: Joint searches intensify; case deemed “endangered.”
- April 24: Limon’s remains recovered near Howard Frankland Bridge.
Arrest Follows Barricade Standoff
On April 24, deputies responded to a domestic violence call at 9:09 a.m. in the 14000 block of Pine Glen Circle, where Hisham Abugharbieh, 26 and Limon’s roommate, had barricaded himself inside. Specialized units, including SWAT, the Crisis Negotiations Team, and a drone team, mobilized as Abugharbieh refused to exit. He surrendered peacefully around 10:30 a.m., leading to his custody.[1]…