Authorities in Florida have escalated charges against a former University of South Florida student in connection with the deaths of two doctoral candidates, bringing first-degree murder charges that could result in capital punishment.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, now faces two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Abugharbieh was Limon's roommate at the time of the incident.
The charges were filed Friday following the discovery of Limon's body on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. Bristy remains missing as of press time.
The two doctoral students were reported missing on Tuesday by USF's police department after last being seen on the morning of April 16. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance prompted an immediate investigation.
Prior Arrest and Additional Charges
Abugharbieh was arrested Friday and was already facing a slate of serious charges including domestic violence, simple battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully holding or moving a dead body. The addition of murder charges represents a significant escalation in the case.
"Evidence was presented to the State Attorney's Office, resulting in further charges against Abugharbieh," the sheriff's office stated, declining to offer additional comment on the ongoing investigation.
Under Florida law, a first-degree murder conviction carries potential sentences of death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
University Connection
Abugharbieh was enrolled at USF as an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in management from spring 2021 through spring 2023 but was not currently enrolled at the time of the incident, according to university records.
Both Limon and Bristy were doctoral candidates at the university. According to Bristy's older brother, Zahaid Hasan Pranto, 29, the two had previously maintained a romantic relationship but were not dating at the time of their disappearance.
Family Concerns
Family members of both students emphasized that the sudden disappearance was highly unusual. Both Limon and Bristy maintain strong family connections in Bangladesh, and relatives reported that going silent without communication was completely out of character for either young scholar.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue searching for Bristy and gather additional evidence in the case.
This article is based on reporting from NBC News.