TAMPA — Authorities announced Friday that human remains discovered earlier in the day on the Howard Frankland Bridge have been positively identified as Zamil Limon, one of two University of South Florida graduate students reported missing last week.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office had previously elevated the disappearance of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, to a missing and endangered case, saying detectives were actively searching multiple areas in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. HCSO also said it had taken the lead in the investigation, with assistance from the USF Police Department.
Law enforcement activity closed two northbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge Friday morning.
Authorities said a suspect identified as Hisham Abugharbieh, an American citizen, was taken into custody Friday following a SWAT response at a Tampa residence in the 14000 block of Pine Glen Circle in reference to an unrelated domestic violence involving Abugharbieh. Abugharbieh and Limon were roommates according to detectives.
Deputies said they initially responded around 9 a.m. to a domestic violence call at the home, safely removed family members from the residence, and later activated SWAT after the suspect refused commands to come outside. Officials said the suspect eventually exited peacefully and was taken into custody.
According to authorities at the press conference, the charges announced so far include domestic violence simple battery, domestic violence false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death to law enforcement or the medical examiner, and unlawfully holding or moving a dead human body in unapproved conditions.
The USF Police Department’s Chief Chris Daniel also spoke at the briefing, expressing condolences to the families and the university community.
On Saturday morning, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced that Hisham Abugharbieh is additionally facing two counts of murder in the first degree with a weapon (premeditated) in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.
Evidence was presented to the State Attorney’s Office, resulting in further charges against Abugharbieh. To protect the integrity of the investigation, they are not be commenting on the findings in the case.
At this time, the search for Bristy continues. Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.
Following the discovery Zamil Limon’s remains, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine and Dive teams are searching near the Howard Frankland Bridge for Nahida Bristy.
The investigation remains active. Authorities said additional details may be limited to avoid jeopardizing the case.