A Bangladeshi doctoral student has been found dead in Florida, while his girlfriend remains missing, as police continue an intensive investigation into the case.
The body of Zamil Limon, a PhD student at the University of South Florida (USF), was recovered on Friday morning from the Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay, authorities said. His girlfriend, Nahida Sultana Bristy, has not yet been located, according to Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer.
Limon’s roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, 26, has been taken into custody on preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and battery. He was expected to appear in court on Saturday.
Police encountered Abugharbeih while responding to a report of domestic violence at his family home near the campus. Officers secured the safety of his relatives before he barricaded himself inside. A SWAT team, supported by a drone, a robot and crisis negotiators, was deployed before he eventually surrendered.
“We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Maurer said, urging the public to come forward with any information. Dive teams have been searching the waters near the bridge as efforts continue.
Describing the case as deeply troubling, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said: “This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community. While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, our detectives are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.”
Authorities were first alerted last Friday when a family friend reported being unable to contact Limon or Bristy. Investigators later questioned Abugharbeih, a US-born citizen, on Thursday, but he ended the interview. He resumed speaking with detectives after his arrest the following day.
Officials said there are no other suspects at this stage. An autopsy is under way to determine the cause and manner of Limon’s death, with results expected shortly.
Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, while Bristy was pursuing chemical engineering. University records show Abugharbeih attended USF between Spring 2021 and Spring 2023, studying management, but was not currently enrolled.
Investigators also confirmed that Abugharbeih had prior arrests, including charges of battery and burglary in 2023. Court records indicate he later completed a diversion programme for first-time offenders in 2024, after which those charges were dropped.
Separately, Bristy’s brother, Zahid Hasan Pranto, said in a social media post that she had died, writing: “Our sister is no longer with us. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.” However, authorities have not confirmed her death.
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