University of South Florida: Suspect in killing of doctoral student gave shifting accounts

University of South Florida: Suspect in killing of doctoral student gave shifting accounts

University of South Florida: Suspect in killing of doctoral student gave shifting accounts

https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/26/us/university-south-florida-doctoral-student-killed-suspect

Publish Date: 2026-04-26 16:56:00

Source Domain: www.cnn.com

Here’s an unordered list summarizing the key points from the provided article:

  • Victims and Disappearance: A Florida doctoral student, Zamil Limon, was found dead on a Tampa Bay bridge, and his friend and fellow postgraduate student, Nahida Bristy, remains missing. Both students were last seen on the University of South Florida campus.

  • Suspect Charges: Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, has been charged with Limon’s murder and is also suspected in Bristy’s disappearance. Abugharbieh’s pretrial detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

  • Incriminating Details: Evidence includes multiple stab wounds on Limon’s body, a deep wound to his lower back that penetrated his liver, and allegations that Abugharbieh asked disturbing questions to an AI chatbot days prior to the victims’ disappearance.

  • Suspect’s Actions: During police interviews, Abugharbieh denied knowledge of the victims but was contradicted by the location of his car and his conflicting statements. He was found with a self-inflicted wrist wound and the receipt of items linked to hiding evidence at a CVS.

  • Evidence Discovery: Investigators found blood-stained items including a shirt and mat resembling those missing from the scene, in a dumpster near Abugharbieh’s apartment, and evidence of blood inside Abugharbieh’s shared apartment.

  • Legal Proceedings: Abugharbieh faces several charges including first-degree premeditated murder, unlawful moving of a dead body, tampering with evidence, and battery. The public defender’s office is representing him.

These points highlight the main aspects of the case, its disturbing nature, and the investigative details that led to Abugharbieh’s arrest and charges.