Case Overview

• Nahida Bristy, 27, is a Bangladeshi-born doctoral student at the University of South Florida. Her academic work focuses on environmental engineering and sustainability, including research related to water purification, environmental monitoring, and resource management.
• Bristy began attending USF in the fall of 2025, where she was pursuing doctoral studies in chemical engineering. She was part of the university’s graduate research community and was known for her focus on innovative environmental solutions.
• Zamil Limon, 27, was a Bangladeshi graduate student at the University of South Florida.
• University records show he was enrolled in a Master of Arts (MA) program in Geography, not a PhD program. His academic work was within the School of Geosciences, and he was advised by Dr. Kai Rains.  Source
• Limon had been attending USF since the fall of 2024. He was part of the university’s graduate research community and was known among peers for his academic focus and involvement on campus.
• Last seen: April 16, 2026, in Tampa, Florida

Timeline

April 7, 2026

• Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh ordered duct tape from Amazon.

April 11, 2026

• Abugharbieh ordered fire starter, charcoal, trash bags, and lighter fluid from Amazon.

April 13, 2026

• Zamil Limon speaks with family in Bangladesh
• States he is focused on academic work and asks not to be contacted unless urgent
• Abugharbieh allegedly asked ChatGPT:
• “What happens if a human has a put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster.”
• Follow-up: “How would they find out”

April 15, 2026

Abugharbieh’s phone (ChatGPT activity) Source

• 10:04:18 PM: “Can a VIN number on a car be changed?”
• 10:13:57 PM: “Can you keep a gun at home without a license?”
• 10:45:53 PM: “So can I keep one at home legally if I don’t have a license?”
• Abugharbieh’s Amazon account Fake beard shipment confirmation
• Witness statement (roommate) Last confirmed sighting of Zamil Limon cooking inside the apartment

April 16, 2026 

• 9:00 AM Limon last seen at Avalon Heights residence
• 10:00 AM Nahida Bristy last seen at the University of South Florida
• 11:30 AM Bristy speaks with a friend
• 12:08 PM Bristy leaves workplace on surveillance
• 12:09 PM Additional campus cameras showed Bristy walking away from the office building while holding an umbrella to block the sun.
• 12:41 PM Bristy called Limon. Her shared location showed she was near Fletcher Avenue.
• 1:00 PM One of Limon’s roommates left the apartment. Limon’s scooter was still at the apartment.
• 2:12 PM – 2:43 PM Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh’s Location data places the device at the Avalon Heights apartment complex
• 2:14 PM Bristy called her friend again and asked the friend to bring her eyeglasses.
• 2:39 PM A message was sent from Bristy’s account to Limon in another language. Note: Court documents described the context as unconfirmed.
• 2:42 PM and 2:52 PM Bristy made two additional calls.
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Location data for Limon’s phone appeared to place the device in the area of his school or residence.
• 5:00 PM Friend waits for Bristy, she never arrives. After Bristy failed to arrive, the friend called her. The phone initially rang, but Bristy did not answer. Later calls went straight to voicemail.
• 7:43 PM Limon’s phone moves toward Courtney Campbell Causeway
• 7:53 PM Abugharbieh’s white Hyundai Genesis G80 was detected traveling on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Court documents noted this placed his vehicle on the bridge within about 10 minutes of the last known ping of Limon’s device
• 8:25 PM Limon’s device remained in the Clearwater area.
• 10:24 PM Abugharbieh’s phone / account activity
• DoorDash order placed for $32.10 using a Discover card
• Order set for pickup at CVS, 5502 E Fowler Avenue
• 10:47 PM A CVS receipt was created for trash bags, Lysol wipes, Febreze, Funyuns, and Irish Body Wash.
• 10:57 PM Abugharbieh’s phone
• DoorDash CVS order delivered to the apartment
• Delivery confirmation photo sent to the phone
• 11:00 PM a roommate later reported that when he returned home around 11:00 PM, several items were missing from the common area:
• A black cushion kitchen floor mat
• Limon’s pot and pan
• A white Gatorade or Powerade logo towel from the counter
• 11:31 PM Abugharbieh’s phone
• Missed call received from Rishit Mathur
• 11:32 PM Abugharbieh’s phone
• Text message received from an unknown number stating: “Hi, I saw you take the moving cart from the living room.”
• The roommate also reported seeing Abugharbieh use a gray roller trolley cart to move multiple cardboard boxes from inside Limon’s room to the apartment complex compactor dumpster.
• When asked about the boxes, Abugharbieh allegedly said he removed old clothing he no longer wanted.

April 17, 2026

• 12:26 AM Abugharbieh searches:  Source
• “Are cars checked at the Hillsborough River State Park”
• 1:04 AM Location data from Abugharbieh’s phone showed the device leaving the apartment complex.
• 1:30 AM Abugharbieh’s phone stopped on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
• 1:35 AM The phone traveled west, continued on the bridge, then turned around on Roosevelt Boulevard North.
• 1:46 AM The phone stopped while heading eastbound on the bridge.
• 1:49 AM The phone began moving again.
• 2:09 AM Abugharbieh’s phone returned to the apartment complex.
• Morning: A friend attempted to contact Bristy, but her phone was off. He then attempted to contact Limon, and his phone also appeared to be off.
• The friend went to Limon’s apartment at 13612 Avalon Heights Boulevard. One roommate said he did not know where Limon was and said Limon’s scooter was still at the apartment.
• Friends report both victims’ phones are off
• 4:50 PM Both reported missing

April 18, 2026

• USF Police responded to Bristy’s workplace and found several of her belongings in the office:  Source
• Lunchbox
• MacBook
• Larger purse
• iPad
• Investigators reviewed Bristy’s iPad and found Facebook Messenger conversations between Bristy and Limon.
• The messages confirmed the two had shared locations.
• The shared locations placed Bristy near Fletcher Avenue.
• The records also confirmed Bristy called Limon at 12:41 p.m. on April 16.
• Family statements:
• Both had future plans, including travel to Bangladesh
• No known reason to voluntarily disappear

April 19, 2026

• Abugharbieh conducts additional searches related to violence, detection, and device tracking  Source
• “Has someone survived a sniper bullet to the head”
• “Will neighbors hear my gun”
• “Will Apple know new iPhone user”

April 20, 2026

• 
  
• 5:28 AM Abugharbieh using ChatGPT“Will Apple know who is the new iPhone user after the previous user”
• USF police find Limon’s passport, wallet, and trash from his apartment, which included duct tape that appeared to have blood on it.
• 10:20 PM Abugharbieh using ChatGPT “Is there a water temperature that burns immediately”

April 21, 2026

• USF police send out an alert to the media, informing the public that Bristy and Limon have gone missing.
• 1:45 p.m. Bristy’s brother Zahid Hasan wrote on Facebook earlier this week:  Source
• “Our family is going through an extremely distressing and painful time. We urgently request everyone to stop spreading unverified information, rumors, or speculation. False narratives are not only harmful but are also making this situation even more difficult for us.”
• 10:39 PM  Order placed for Neosporin by Abugharbieh

April 22, 2026

• USF police ask the sheriff’s office to take over the investigation.
• Law enforcement searched Sand Key Park in Clearwater.  Source
• A weathered Glock firearm was found with rounds in the magazine, but no round in the chamber.
• The firearm was traced to a subject in Marathon in the Florida Keys.
• Court documents state investigators did not find items of obvious evidentiary value during that search.
• Deputies contacted Abugharbieh’s mother.
• She said she last saw him at her home on Saturday between 9 p.m. and midnight.
• She did not notice any injuries on him.
• Investigators interviewed Abugharbieh.
• He denied knowing where Bristy or Limon were.
• A detective noticed a cut on Abugharbieh’s left pinky finger, which was wrapped.
• Abugharbieh claimed he cut it while cutting onions.
• When asked what he had been cooking, he said he did not remember.
• He said he wrapped the injury with duct tape and toilet paper.
• Abugharbieh confirmed he drove a white Hyundai Genesis G80.
• He initially claimed Limon and Bristy had never been in his vehicle.
• He also denied going to Clearwater.
• When confronted with vehicle data placing him in Clearwater, he claimed he went there to look for fishing spots using the Maps app.
• When asked for the location history, he said he deleted it.
• When confronted with Limon’s phone also showing in Clearwater, Abugharbieh changed his statement and claimed Limon had asked him to drive him and Bristy to Clearwater. He said he dropped them off and left.

April 23, 2026

• 6:30 AM Abugharbieh search for “What does missing endangered adult mean”
• 7:00 AM Law enforcement searched the apartment complex trash compactor after confirming it had not been replaced since April 16.  Source
• Items recovered from the compactor included:
• Missing black cushion kitchen floor mat with blood
• Cooking pots and pans
• Black wallet containing Limon’s USF ID badge, Chase Star Wars Visa card, BILT MasterCard, and another credit card
• Gray shirt with holes, cuts, and blood
• Light pink iPhone case presumed to belong to Bristy
• Gray shorts with blood
• Three pairs of socks with blood
• Tan slides with blood
• Glasses consistent with Limon’s
• Detectives searched Limon’s bedroom again.
• They found women’s size 6 Puma sneakers on the floor near the doorway.
• They found a black umbrella on the desk.
• A roommate confirmed the sneakers belonged to Bristy.
• Court documents state the shoes matched the shoes Bristy wore in USF surveillance footage.
• The umbrella appeared similar to the umbrella Bristy carried when she left her workplace.
• 12:00 PM The HCSO marine unit and dive team search the area of Sand Key Park for the last GPS signal from Limon’s mobile phone.
• Deputies obtained additional Sand Key surveillance.
• A white Genesis was seen traveling past cameras.
• A figure in dark clothing was seen walking from the Sand Key Sailing marina and out of camera view near the bottom of the bridge-side sidewalk.
• 5:30 p.m HCSO Statement: The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is actively working to locate Nahida Bristy, 27, and Zamil Limon, 27. Source
• Detectives continue to follow leads in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
• 6:00 PM Detectives interview Abugharbieh.
• 6:30 p.m Law enforcement upgrades case to “endangered missing” Source
• Focus shifts toward coastal and bridge areas
• Activity reported in the Clearwater and Sand Key region
• Multi-agency coordination increases
• The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that forensic activity was being conducted at Sand Key Beach in Clearwater Beach
• Investigators were also present at the Avalon Heights apartments near the University of South Florida, where Zamil Limon resided
• Law enforcement stated that investigative leads had expanded into Pinellas County
• 7:00 PM Law enforcement obtained search warrants for:
• Abugharbieh’s apartment
• His vehicle
• His phone
• Photographs of him
• Abugharbieh again denied involvement and claimed Bristy and Limon were alive when he dropped them off.
• While photographing Abugharbieh, law enforcement noticed a Band-Aid on his left upper triceps area.
• When the Band-Aid was removed, investigators observed what appeared to be a newly sustained wound.
• Abugharbieh’s injuries were photographed.
• Apartment Search:
• Investigators searched the apartment and observed apparent blood evidence in the hallway leading from the kitchen toward Abugharbieh’s bedroom.
• Investigators observed staining on the carpet in Abugharbieh’s bedroom.
• All tested areas, except three, were positive for blood.
• An enhancement agent revealed a significant blood pattern from the foyer, through the kitchen, into the hallway, and toward Abugharbieh’s bedroom.
• In Abugharbieh’s bedroom, two distinct blood patterns on the floor appeared human-sized and were saturated into the carpet.
• The enhanced patterns were consistent with smearing and dragging.
• Under Abugharbieh’s bed, investigators found:
• A box of three rolls of heavy-duty black trash bags similar to the bag containing items recovered from the compactor.
• Duct tape was also found in his bathroom.
• In Limon’s room, detectives found a small bunny clutch on a desk.
• The purse contained Bristy’s USF ID and credit cards.
• Investigators said this further suggested Bristy had been inside the apartment before she disappeared.
• A forensic download of Abugharbieh’s phone showed:
• He ordered duct tape from Amazon on April 7.
• He ordered fire starter, charcoal, trash bags, and lighter fuel from Amazon on April 11.
• He received confirmation that a fake beard shipped from Amazon on April 15.
• Investigators also found alleged ChatGPT activity from Abugharbieh’s phone:
• April 13: “What happens if a human has a put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster”
• Follow-up: “How would they find out”
• Additional questions included: “Can a VIN number on a car be changed?”
• “Can you keep a gun at home with out a license?”

April 24, 2026

Critical developments Source

• 6:00 a.m After the investigative developments, detectives searched the Howard Frankland Bridge.
• 6:15 a.m Investigators found a black heavy-duty trash bag.
• The bag had an odor consistent with decomposition.
• The bag was similar to trash bags found under Abugharbieh’s bed and in the compactor.
• Inside the bag, investigators found human remains in advanced stages of decomposition.
• The remains were later positively identified as Zamil Limon.
• Limon’s manner of death was ruled homicide.
• His cause of death was multiple sharp force injuries.
• Court documents state investigators had found no evidence to support any probability that Nahida Bristy remained alive.
• Law enforcement alleged Abugharbieh used a bladed instrument to fatally wound Limon and Bristy.
• Investigators alleged he then used cleaning supplies to clean the scene.
• They alleged he concealed Limon’s body in pre-purchased black utility trash bags.
• They alleged he left Limon’s body on the left side of the Howard Frankland Bridge.
• Investigators also alleged he discarded the victims’ personal items in the trash compactor.
• 9:00 a.m. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office receives a domestic violence call for service Source
• 9:09 a.m Deputies responded to the 14000 block of Pine Glen Circle in reference to an unrelated domestic violence incident involving Abugharbieh.
• 9:20 a.m Upon arrival, Abugharbieh barricaded himself inside the residence.
• 10:00 a.m. Limon’s remains are removed from the scene and taken by the District 6 Medical Examiner.
• 10:36 a.m. SWAT officers, negotiators, and bomb and drone teams arrive at the Lake Forest Community, where Abugharbieh’s alleged domestic abuse incident occurred. Abugharbieh continues to refuse commands to leave the house.
• 11:38 a.m., Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh was taken into custody without further incident.  Source
• 1:50 p.m Press Conference Source
• 1:50 PM Law enforcement held a press conference.
• Officials confirmed human remains found near the Howard Frankland Bridge had been identified as Zamil Limon.
• Officials stated Bristy remained missing.
• Officials confirmed Abugharbieh was Limon’s roommate.
• Officials said Bristy did not live at that residence and lived on USF campus.
• Officials said Abugharbieh had spoken with investigators previously, had been re-interviewed, and had ended the interview.
• Officials said Abugharbieh was again speaking with detectives.
• Officials said they had no indication at that time that Abugharbieh acted with anyone else.
• Initial charges announced included:
• Domestic violence, simple battery
• Domestic violence, false imprisonment
• Tampering with evidence
• Failure to report death to law enforcement or medical examiner
• Unlawful holding or moving a dead human body
• 3:00 p.m. A message from President Moez Limayem about an ongoing law enforcement investigation Source
• 4:00 p.m. Following the discovery Zamil Limon’s remains, the HCSO Marine and Dive teams are searching near the Howard Frankland Bridge for Nahida Bristy. Source
• Status of Nahida Bristy 
• Remains missing as of this date
• Search operations ongoing
• Considered endangered
• 10:35 p.m. A social media post by Nahida Bristy’s brother stated that Nahida Bristy had passed away  Source
• The post read: “My sister is no longer with us. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

April 25, 2026

• 6:25 AM The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced that Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, 26, is additionally charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon (premeditated) Source
• Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh was additionally charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon, premeditated. The charges relate to the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.
• The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said evidence had been presented to the State Attorney’s Office, resulting in the additional charges.
• HCSO said it would not comment on the findings in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
• At a Saturday morning hearing:
• A judge ordered Abugharbieh held without bond at least until his next court appearance.
• The next court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m.
• 8:00 p.m.  Law enforcement activity was reported in the Lake Forest neighborhood in Tampa, the same area where Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh was arrested the previous day. Source
• Police responded after a sighting of an alligator allegedly carrying what appeared to be a human bone
• Neighbor Observed law enforcement presence included:
• Approximately 15 patrol vehicles
• Boats deployed in nearby water
• Drone operations

April 26, 2026

• 4:00 PM The University of South Florida released an official update to the campus community following the deaths of: Source
• Zamil Limon
• Nahida Bristy
• The university confirmed: The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead investigative agency. The case is ongoing
• Safety statement:
• Investigators determined the incident was isolated
• The suspect acted alone
• There is no ongoing threat to the USF community
• The events occurred off campus
• University response:
• Moez Limayem issued a message to parents, alumni, and university supporters
• Increased presence of university leaders and trained support staff on campus
• Resources made available for students, faculty, and staff
• Memorial efforts announced:
• Plans underway to honor both students
• Discussions ongoing regarding an on-campus vigil
• A moment of silence to be held at upcoming USF Athletics home games
• A remembrance planned for May commencement ceremonies
• 7:00 p.m.: USF Update: USF Call Center adds additional date and time Source
• The USF Call Center will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday, April 27. The call center can be reached by calling 855-699-2710.
• 8:43 PM Update from HCSO: The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, has recovered human remains from the waterways in the area of Interstate 275 and 4th Street North. Source
• Human remains were discovered by a woman who was paddle boarding in the area.
• Positive identification of the remains has not been determined at this time, as the body is in the possession of the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office. Source

April 27, 2026

• 2:18 p.m Statement from Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, 13th Judicial Circuit Source
• Our office has been working hand-in-hand with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as it conducts a thorough investigation into the murders of USF students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. Tomorrow, defendant Hisham Abugharbieh will appear in court for a status hearing. Our office will be requesting a pretrial detention hearing where prosecutors will argue that Abugharbieh remains a danger to our community and should be held without bond until trial. “Our hearts are with both students’ families during this incredibly difficult time, and we are keeping them in our thoughts as they await answers,”
• 5:27 p.m HCSO Detectives Seek Public’s Help Source
• Were you on the Howard Frankland Bridge between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on April 17, 2026? Detectives are asking anyone with dash camera video or information from that time-frame to come forward. Please call 813-247-8200.

April 28, 2026

• 9:00 a.m Status review hearing held
• Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh was denied bond Source
• 11:46 a.m Statement from Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, 13th Judicial Circuit’s Post:  Source
• Friends and classmates of victims Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy filled the courtroom. The defendant was not present. 
• After the hearing, State Attorney Lopez was able to speak via Zoom to the victims’ family members in Bangladesh to make sure they understood what happened in court and what comes next. Though they are thousands of miles away, they are not facing this alone.
• “We are committed to making sure these families are not left in the dark. We will be there when they need answers, and we have already assigned a victim advocate to guide them through every step of the process,” said State Attorney Lopez. “These were promising young students who came to Tampa to follow their dreams. Their lives were senselessly taken, and we will fight to ensure their families get justice.” 

April 30, 2026

• Authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Bristy.

May 1, 2026

• 11:00 a.m HCSO provides updates on USF murder investigation Source
• The human remains recovered near a Tampa Bay area bridge Sunday have been identified as the second missing University of South Florida doctoral student, Nahida Bristy
• Sheriff Chad Chronister and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are holding a news conference to provide an update on the investigation into the murders of two USF students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.

Probable Cause Narrative

Detectives began investigating the disappearance of Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon after both were last seen on April 16, 2026.

Witnesses reported that Bristy was last seen leaving her workplace at approximately 12:08 p.m., and surveillance footage showed her walking away while holding an umbrella. Phone records confirmed she contacted Limon at 12:41 p.m., sent a message at 2:39 p.m., and placed additional calls at 2:42 p.m. and 2:52 p.m.

A friend reported speaking with Bristy at approximately 11:30 a.m. and again at 2:14 p.m., at which time Bristy requested eyeglasses. The friend later waited for Bristy at 5:00 p.m., but she never arrived. Subsequent calls initially rang and then went directly to voicemail.

Investigators determined that Limon’s phone remained near his residence or school between approximately 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., before traveling toward the Courtney Campbell Causeway at 7:43 p.m. and later appearing in the Clearwater area after 8:25 p.m.

Vehicle data showed that Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh’s white Hyundai Genesis G80 was traveling on the Courtney Campbell Causeway at approximately 7:53 p.m., placing his vehicle in motion within minutes of Limon’s phone traveling in the same direction.

Further investigative efforts placed Abugharbieh’s vehicle in the same geographic area as Limon’s phone, including near Sand Key in Clearwater Beach.

On April 17, 2026, friends reported that both victims’ phones were powered off. A friend went to Limon’s apartment and confirmed that his scooter remained at the residence and that his roommate, Abugharbieh, claimed he did not know Limon’s whereabouts.

On April 18, 2026, investigators located Bristy’s personal belongings at her workplace, including a laptop, iPad, purse, and lunchbox, indicating she had not voluntarily left the area.

Detectives interviewed Abugharbieh, who denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of either victim. During this interview, detectives observed that Abugharbieh had a cut on his left pinky finger, which was wrapped. When asked how he sustained the injury, he stated that he cut himself while cutting onions. When asked what he had been cooking, he could not provide a clear answer. He also confirmed that he drives a white Hyundai Genesis G80.

During a follow-up interview, Abugharbieh again denied involvement and stated that neither Limon nor Bristy had been in his vehicle and that he had not traveled to Clearwater. When confronted with vehicle data placing him in Clearwater, he changed his statement and claimed he had driven both individuals to Clearwater Beach at Limon’s request and then left them there. He stated he had deleted his location history.

Investigators recovered a CVS receipt dated April 16, 2026, at 10:47 p.m. for the purchase of trash bags, cleaning supplies, and related items. Additional evidence recovered included duct tape containing tissue material and apparent blood residue.

A roommate reported that upon returning to the apartment late on April 16, several items were missing, including a kitchen mat, cookware, and a towel. The roommate also observed Abugharbieh using a trolley to transport multiple boxes from Limon’s room to the apartment complex trash compactor.

On April 23, 2026, investigators searched the trash compactor and recovered multiple items containing apparent blood, including a kitchen mat, clothing, footwear, and personal belongings belonging to both victims. Forensic testing confirmed that blood on the mat matched Bristy, and blood on a shirt matched Limon.

Investigators also recovered Bristy’s identification and personal effects from inside Limon’s room, further placing her inside the apartment prior to her disappearance.

A search of the apartment revealed blood evidence throughout the hallway and into Abugharbieh’s bedroom. Chemical enhancement revealed extensive blood patterns consistent with smearing and dragging. Two distinct human-sized blood patterns were observed in Abugharbieh’s bedroom.

Investigators located heavy-duty trash bags under Abugharbieh’s bed and duct tape within his bathroom. These items were consistent with materials recovered from the trash compactor.

During processing, investigators observed an additional injury on Abugharbieh’s left upper triceps area, concealed beneath a bandage, which appeared to be recently sustained.

Digital forensic analysis of Abugharbieh’s phone revealed prior purchases of duct tape, trash bags, and related materials. It also revealed internet and ChatGPT searches related to body disposal, detection avoidance, firearms, and law enforcement procedures, including queries regarding placing a human body in a garbage bag and avoiding detection.

Location data from Abugharbieh’s phone showed that between approximately 1:04 a.m. and 2:09 a.m. on April 17, 2026, his device traveled from the apartment to the Howard Frankland Bridge, stopped, moved westbound, turned around, and returned to the apartment.

On April 24, 2026, investigators searched the Howard Frankland Bridge and recovered a heavy-duty trash bag emitting an odor consistent with decomposition. Inside the bag were human remains later identified as Zamil Limon. The cause of death was determined to be multiple sharp force injuries, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators determined that the evidence indicated the use of a bladed instrument, post-offense cleanup using chemical agents, concealment of the body in trash bags, and disposal of the body at the bridge.

Investigators further stated that no evidence had been found to support any probability that Nahida Bristy remained alive.

Based on the totality of the evidence, including digital tracking, forensic findings, physical evidence, inconsistent statements, observed injuries, and recovery of human remains, probable cause existed to believe that Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh committed the murders of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy and took actions to conceal and dispose of evidence related to those offenses.

Abugharbieh Phone + Vehicle Movement Timeline

April 17, 2026

• 1:02 AM Phone connects to Hyundai Genesis Bluetooth
• 1:04 AM Phone located on west side of Avalon Heights
• 1:06 AM Phone moving out of apartment complex
• 1:07 AM Traveling west on Fletcher Avenue
• 1:27 AM Phone located on Howard Frankland Bridge
• 1:30 AM Phone stops at: 27.925955, -82.595981
• 1:32 AM Phone reconnects to vehicle Bluetooth
• 1:34 AM Flashlight ON Flashlight OFF shortly after
• 1:35 AM Phone continues westbound on bridge
• 1:41 AM Turns around on Roosevelt Blvd North
• 1:46 AM Stops eastbound on bridge Flashlight ON again
• 1:49 AM Movement resumes eastbound
• 2:09 AM Phone returns to Avalon Heights complex
• 2:12 AM Activity shows 289 steps (on-foot movement)
• 3:21 AM Phone reconnects to vehicle
• 3:25 AM Phone located near apartment dumpster
• 3:27 AM Leaves complex parking lot
• Travels westbound on Fletcher Ave
• 3:31 AM Phone traveling southbound on I-275
• Passes Roosevelt Blvd North

Secondary Movement Sequence

• 3:58 AM Phone shows Abugharbieh stops near N. 22nd Ave
• 4:01 AM Turns around near 25th Street
• Travels east
• 4:01 AM (later)Stops near underpass and bridge
• 4:10 AM Returns to Howard Frankland Bridge
• 4:13 AM Stops again at:
• 27.922985, -82.602131

Bluetooth / Device Interaction Pattern

• 4:13 AM – 4:21 AM Multiple connect and disconnect cycles:
• Connect
• Disconnect
• Reconnect
• Repeated several times
• 4:21 AM Phone traveling northbound on I-275
• 4:23 AM Final recorded location:
• 27.935706, -82.566005
• Eastbound toward Tampa side of bridge

April 19, 2026

Abugharbieh’s phone (ChatGPT)

• 5:26 AM“Will my neighbors hear my gun”
• 6:57 AM “Has there been someone who survived a sniper bullet to the head”

April 20, 2026

Abugharbieh’s phone (ChatGPT)

• 5:28 AM “Will Apple know who is the new iPhone user after the previous user”
• 10:20 PM “Is there a water temperature that burns immediately”

April 21, 2026

Abugharbieh’s DoorDash account

• 10:39 PM Order placed for Neosporin

April 23, 2026

Abugharbieh’s phone (ChatGPT)

• 6:30 AM “What does missing endangered adult mean”

Critical Investigative Finding

• Law enforcement conclusion (based on phone data + physical evidence)Human remains were placed in a trash bag on or about April 16, 2026 at Avalon Heights
• The Howard Frankland Bridge was a disposal location, not the location of death
• Use of:
• Trash bags
• Duct tape
• Indicates intent to conceal or destroy evidence

Autopsy Findings – Zamil Limon

• The autopsy was conducted by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office Source
• Zamil Limon was recovered from a black trash bag near the Howard Frankland Bridge

Cause and Manner of Death

• Cause of death:
• Multiple sharp force injuries
• Manner of death:
• Homicide

Documented Injuries

• Multiple stab wounds were identified, including:
• Torso:
• Multiple lacerations
• Lower abdomen:
• One stab wound approximately 2 centimeters deep
• Left thigh:
• One stab wound approximately 1 centimeter deep
• Lower back:
• One stab wound approximately 10 centimeters deep
• This wound perforated the liver
• The injuries were consistent with repeated stabbing

Condition of the Body

• Body recovered:
• Inside multiple black utility trash bags
• In an advanced stage of decomposition
• Observations:
• Body was not clothed
• Wrists and ankles appeared bound
• Legs were folded to fit inside the bag
• Multiple layers of bags were used
• Condition described as inconsistent with proper storage or refrigeration

Investigative Significance

• Injuries indicate:
• Use of a bladed weapon
• Multiple inflicted wounds
• Findings support:
• A sustained, violent attack
• Post-mortem concealment and transport

Autopsy / Death Findings – Nahida Bristy

• Nahida Bristy had not been recovered at the time of the affidavit and motion

Medical Examiner Status

• No formal autopsy

Investigative Conclusions

• Investigators stated:
• There is no evidence to support any probability that Bristy remained alive after April 16, 2026
• Blood evidence recovered inside the apartment:
• Tested positive for Bristy’s DNA
• Was found in locations consistent with a violent attack
• Blood from Bristy and Limon was intermingled, indicating close-contact violence
• Evidence indicates:
• Bristy was inside the apartment at the time of the attack
• She sustained injuries consistent with the same event

Supporting Evidence

• Items belonging to Bristy recovered:
• Identification and personal effects inside the apartment
• Blood-stained items recovered from the dumpster
• Blood evidence:
• Confirmed through DNA comparison to her toothbrush
• Located on a kitchen mat and other surfaces

Investigative Determination

• Based on the totality of evidence, investigators concluded:
• Bristy was a victim of the same homicide event
• The attack occurred inside the apartment
• Her body had not yet been recovered at the time of the filin