Dear USF community:
It is with a very heavy heart that I share this update about the case involving two USF students who were reported missing last week.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the lead law enforcement agency on the investigation, announced this morning that the suspect in the case has now been charged with two counts of murder in the first degree in the deaths of Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon.
After announcing on Friday afternoon that Zamil was found deceased, HCSO said this morning that evidence was presented to the State Attorney’s Office resulting in the additional charges against the suspect already in custody, Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh. Investigators previously noted that the incidents occurred off campus, and that Abugharbieh – who was born in the United States, is a citizen and is not a current USF student or employee – acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the safety of the university community.
Nahida attended USF beginning in fall 2025 to study chemical engineering and Zamil attended since fall 2024 to study geography and environmental science and policy. HCSO said the search for Nahida continues and asked anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200.
The well-being of our students, faculty and staff is always our top priority. Students can access Timely Care 24/7 or in-person counseling services on campus. Resources are available to faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program. I encourage you to reach out if you are in need and to rely on one another for support.
We are grateful to the HCSO, USF Police Department and other law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in this tragic situation.
Our university staff and members of our leadership team are continuing to communicate directly with and offer support to those who are closest to these two students. We are also in contact with representatives from both the Bangladeshi Embassy and Consulate General to assure them that we are doing everything we can to assist in this matter.
We will continue to monitor the latest developments and share updates as appropriate. Please join me in continuing to pray for the families and friends of Nahida and Zamil.
Sincerely,
Moez Limayem, PhD
President
University of South Florida