Body of Missing USF Student Found on Tampa Bay Bridge; Roommate Arrested, Search Continues for Girlfriend

Authorities in Tampa have identified the body of Zamil Limon, a 27-year-old Bangladeshi doctoral student at the University of South Florida, after his remains were discovered Friday morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge. Limon and his girlfriend, Nahida Bristy, also 27 and a USF student, had been missing since April 16. Bristy remains unaccounted for, and law enforcement officials say the search for her is ongoing, with dive teams combing the bay near the bridge.

Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said Limon's roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, 26, was taken into custody at his family's home near the USF campus. Abugharbeih faces preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. He is expected to appear in court Saturday morning. Maurer stated that there are no other suspects at this time.

Officers encountered Abugharbeih while responding to a domestic violence call at his family's residence. After moving relatives to safety, authorities say Abugharbeih barricaded himself inside before surrendering to a SWAT team. Investigators had previously interviewed Abugharbeih on Thursday, but he ended the conversation; he resumed speaking with detectives after his arrest.

An autopsy is underway to determine the cause and manner of Limon's death, with results expected Saturday. University records indicate Abugharbeih previously attended USF but was not enrolled at the time of the incident. Court records show he had prior misdemeanor charges and domestic violence petitions filed against him in 2023. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to seek information on Bristy's whereabouts.