Daijiworld Media Network - Florida

Florida, Apr 27: A 26-year-old man accused of killing two doctoral students of the University of South Florida had allegedly queried ChatGPT about disposing of a body days before the crime, according to court filings.

The accused, Hisham Abugharbieh, has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both aged 27. Limon, whose body was recovered on Friday, was reportedly Abugharbieh’s roommate.

Prosecutors alleged that on April 13, Abugharbieh asked the chatbot what would happen if a person was placed in a garbage bag and thrown into a dumpster, and followed up by asking how such an act could be detected.

Investigators said evidence recovered from a dumpster at the apartment complex included Limon’s belongings such as a student ID and credit cards, along with clothing bearing his DNA. Forensic tests also linked a kitchen mat to Bristy.

According to officials, Limon’s body was found in a trash bag near the Howard Frankland Bridge, with an autopsy indicating death due to multiple sharp force injuries. Authorities believe Bristy is also dead, and human remains discovered during searches are yet to be identified.

Court documents further stated that Abugharbieh allegedly purchased trash bags and cleaning supplies around the time of the incident, and blood traces were found in his apartment. He initially denied knowledge of the victims’ whereabouts but later admitted to giving them a ride on the day they were last seen.

He was arrested after a brief standoff and is currently being held without bond. Additional charges include evidence tampering, false imprisonment, and failure to report a death. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday.

The victims, both originally from Bangladesh, were previously in a relationship, according to their families, who have requested that their final rites be conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions.