US authorities charge the roommate of a USF student found dead with two murders: Report

US authorities have charged the roommate of a University of South Florida doctoral student, who was found dead after reportedly being missing for over a week, with murder, USA Today reported. Officials are still searching for a second missing student.

Two students, Zamil Limon and Nahida S Bristy, both 27, had been missing since April 16, when they were last seen in the Tampa area. Limon's remains were discovered on April 24, and his roommate, Hisham Abugarbieh, was arrested on multiple charges, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

The sheriff's office announced on Saturday morning that 26-year-old Abugarbieh is now being charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with a weapon for the deaths of Limon and Bristy, who is still missing. He was previously facing charges of unlawfully holding or moving a dead body, failure to report a death with intent to conceal, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery.

While the sheriff's office noted that evidence was presented to the State Attorney's Office, officials would not divulge more details regarding the findings of the investigation. Additionally, it wasn't made immediately clear if Abugarbieh had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Deeply disturbing case: Sheriff

Commenting on the incident, Sheriff Chad Chronister noted, "This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution," and added, "While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth. We will continue to follow every fact, pursue every lead, and use every tool available to hold those responsible fully accountable."

Missing student's remains found

Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, in a news conference on Friday, said that Limon's remains were found on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results are expected Saturday morning, Maurer said Friday.

Abugarbeih arrested for domestic incident

According to the report, earlier in the day, law enforcement responded to an unrelated domestic incident related to the 26-year-old suspect in this case, and upon arrival, Abugarbieh "barricaded himself inside the residence" and refused to comply with commands to exit, the sheriff's office said. A SWAT team and other specialised units had to be dispatched to arrest Abugarbieh.

According to AP, he had been a USF student but was not currently enrolled. University records showed he had attended the school from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, and had pursued a BS in Management, a university spokesperson said.

Search for Bristy continues

The sheriff's office added that the search for Bristy continues, adding that anyone who has information regarding her disappearance should come forward to contact authorities. Limon and Bristy were reported missing by a family friend who hadn't heard from them on April 17.

What do we know about Limon, Bristy

Limon was last seen at his home in an off-campus apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbieh. Bristy, who lived on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building. Limon was pursuing a degree in geography, environmental science, and policy, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reported. Bristy is studying chemical engineering.