Daijiworld Media Network - Florida
Florida, Apr 25: A missing doctoral student from the University of South Florida was found dead on a bridge in Tampa Bay, while his roommate has been arrested in connection with the case, authorities said.
The victim, Zamil Limon (27), a Bangladeshi national, was found dead on the Howard Frankland Bridge on Friday. Another student, Nahida Bristy (27), who went missing along with him, is still untraceable.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described the case as deeply disturbing and said it has shaken the community.
Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh (26), a former USF student, was arrested on Friday morning. He faces multiple charges, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death and unlawfully moving a dead body.
Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody after a domestic violence call at his residence. During the arrest, he reportedly barricaded himself inside the house, prompting a SWAT team and crisis negotiators to intervene before he surrendered.
Investigators revealed that Limon and Bristy had been missing since April 16 and were reported missing the following day by a family friend. Limon was last seen at his off-campus residence, while Bristy was last spotted at a university building.
Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said the suspect had been questioned earlier but later stopped cooperating. Investigators subsequently gathered evidence linking him to the case and the victim’s body.
The cause of Limon’s death is yet to be confirmed, with a medical examiner expected to release autopsy findings soon.
The search for Bristy continues, with authorities exploring multiple leads. The university’s president Moez Limayem said the institution is supporting the families and urged the community to pray for the safe return of the missing student.
Limon’s family in Bangladesh said they were devastated and seeking answers. His brother described him as a simple and cheerful person who had been working on his doctoral research and planned to return home after completing his studies.
Investigators are continuing their probe into the case, including the circumstances leading to the disappearance and death.