Tampa, Florida | April 25, 2026 — Authorities in Tampa have confirmed the discovery of the body of 27-year-old doctoral student Zamil Limon on the Howard Frankland Bridge on the morning of Friday, April 24. The case has intensified after Limon’s roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Limon and another missing student, Nahida S. Bristy.
Discovery on the Howard Frankland Bridge
Law enforcement officials reported that Limon’s body was located during an early morning investigation on the bridge, a major connector across Tampa Bay. Authorities have not publicly released further forensic details regarding the condition of the body, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the case is being treated as a double homicide, though only one victim has been recovered so far.
Ongoing Search for Nahida Bristy
Despite murder charges being filed, the body of 27-year-old Nahida S. Bristy has not yet been found. Search operations are currently concentrated in areas surrounding Tampa Bay, particularly near the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Officials stated that recovery efforts are ongoing, and additional resources have been deployed to assist in locating Bristy. Authorities have not disclosed specific evidence linking the suspect to the location being searched.
Arrest and Charges Against the Suspect
Abugharbieh was taken into custody on Friday following a 20-minute standoff with a SWAT team at a residence near the University of South Florida campus. The standoff reportedly occurred after deputies responded to an unrelated domestic violence call.
In addition to two counts of first-degree murder, the suspect faces multiple charges, including:
- Unlawfully moving a dead body
- Tampering with physical evidence
- False imprisonment and battery
- Failure to report a death with intent to conceal
Authorities have not released details regarding a possible motive.
Background of the Victims
Investigators confirmed that both victims were international students originally from Bangladesh and were pursuing doctoral degrees at the University of South Florida.
- Zamil Limon was enrolled in a PhD program in Geography, Environmental Science, and Policy.
- Nahida S. Bristy was pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering.
Both were reported missing on April 17 by a family acquaintance after they were last seen separately on April 16. Officials indicated that the two students were known to each other and had previously been in a romantic relationship.
Public Appeal for Information
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek assistance from the public in locating Nahida Bristy. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
- Contact: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office — (813) 247-8200
- Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay — 1-800-873-TIPS (8477)
Officials emphasized that all tips will be handled confidentially as the investigation remains active.
The Vagabond News Perspective
This case underscores growing concerns around campus safety and the vulnerability of international students navigating academic and social pressures abroad. While authorities have moved swiftly in filing charges, the absence of one victim continues to cast uncertainty over the full scope of the घटना. Investigators are expected to release further details once forensic and search operations progress.
Sources: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office statements; Associated Press; local Tampa law enforcement briefings.
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Date: April 25, 2026
Tags: USF, Tampa Crime, Florida News, International Students, Double Murder Investigation
News by The Vagabond News.
