By Erika Hernandez
Authorities in Hillsborough County, in Tampa, Florida, charged a man identified as Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, on two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon white, following the discovery of the body of a University of South Florida doctoral student on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
The deceased was identified as Zamil Limon, 27 years oldwhose body was found Friday, and Abugharbieh’s roommate, according to the county sheriff’s office.
Second victim still missing
The investigation also links the accused to the disappearance of Nahida Bristyalso 27 years old, whose search is still ongoing.
Marine and diving teams continue to be deployed in the vicinity of the bridge, in an intensive operation to find its whereabouts.
Both victims, doctoral students at the University of South Florida, were reported missing on April 16.after being seen for the last time in different parts of the Tampa area.
Authorities detailed that Abugharbieh’s arrest occurred after a 911 call about an alleged incident of domestic violence at the residence where he lived with Limon.
After a brief confrontation with the police, The suspect surrendered and was arrested.. He initially faced charges related to concealment of a body, tampering with evidence, unlawful deprivation of liberty and assault.
The charges were later upgraded to first-degree murder.
Background and judicial process
The defendant appeared in court on Saturday and remains in custody without bail, pending a hearing scheduled for April 28.
Court documents reveal that Abugharbieh had a previous record of domestic violence, assault and robberyalthough these cases had been closed.
Authorities clarified that the suspect is not a student or active employee of the university.
The president of the university, Moez Limayem, expressed his sadness over Limon’s death and expressed hope that Bristy will be located alive. Likewise, he assured that there is no active threat to the university community.
The authorities continue to collect evidence to clarify the circumstances of the casewhile the search for the second victim remains active.
The event has generated shock in the academic community and reopens the debate about security in residential environments linked to students.
University police urged anyone with relevant information to contact authorities as part of efforts to advance the investigation and locate the missing victim.
Keep reading:
–Four adults arrested for abusing nine children in their Florida home
–Plane crashes in Florida park after grazing a tree and a car: seven people hospitalized
–Tragedy at sailing camp in Miami: two children dead after collision between barge and sailboat
