HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY— Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister held a briefing Friday, detailing how investigators located both victims in what he described as a “gruesome” and premeditated double homicide involving two University of South Florida students.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the first victim, Zemel Limon, was found inside a trash bag along the Pinellas County side of the Howard Frankland Bridge. Investigators said Limon was in the early stages of decomposition and was identified through fingerprints on file with federal authorities.
Chronister stated Limon had been stabbed multiple times, which was determined to be the cause of death. He was bound at both his hands and ankles, and his body had been severely mutilated in a manner that investigators believe was intended to facilitate placement into a trash bag.
“As gruesome as this murder was, he was literally left on the side of the highway like a piece of trash,” Chronister said.
While the investigation was ongoing, deputies received a call from the suspect’s family reporting erratic and violent behavior, including a domestic violence incident the night before his arrest. Investigators attempted to make contact with the suspect at the residence, but he refused to respond.
Due to the violent nature of the allegations and information that the suspect had recently purchased a firearm, deputies activated SWAT and crisis negotiators. After several hours, the suspect surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without incident.
Working in coordination with prosecutors, investigators filed multiple charges, including two counts of premeditated murder.
The search for the second victim, Nahida Bristy, continued for several days, involving extensive coordination between multiple agencies. Two days later, recreational kayakers in the mangrove area along the Pinellas County side discovered a suspicious bag after their fishing line became entangled. Upon closer inspection, they contacted law enforcement.
Responding deputies, along with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and forensic teams, recovered human remains. Due to advanced decomposition, identification required DNA analysis, dental records, and clothing comparison.
Authorities confirmed the remains as Bristy.
Chronister stated that both victims’ families have been notified and arrangements are underway to return their remains to family members in Bangladesh for burial.
Despite the outcome, Chronister described the investigation as a result of coordinated law enforcement efforts across local, state, and federal agencies, as well as close collaboration with the University of South Florida Police Department.
“Success in this case is recovering both victims and providing answers to their families,” Chronister said.
The investigation remains active as the case moves through the judicial process.