Warning: this article contains details of a police investigation that some people may find distressing.
Authorities have confirmed the identity of a second set of remains located after two medical students went missing.
Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon, both aged 27, were reported missing after they were last seen in Tampa on April 16. The two were originally from Bangladesh and were studying at the University of South Florida.
In the days that followed, investigators found Limon’s remains on April 24 on the Howard Frankland Bridge, where his body was located inside multiple black plastic bags.
On April 26, additional remains were recovered from the waters of Tampa Bay. Police have since confirmed those remains belonged to Bristy.
Officials said Bristy was identified using DNA testing and dental records, along with the clothing she was wearing when she disappeared.
Her remains, like Limon’s, were found inside a garbage bag. The bag was reportedly discovered by a kayaker after a fishing line became caught on it.
CBS News reports that Bristy’s relatives have been informed of the identification.
Meanwhile, Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugarbieh, has been taken into custody and faces two counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a body.
The 26-year-old remains detained without bond.
A medical examiner’s report said Limon had deep stab wounds to his lower back and was also described as being ‘bound in front at his hands and at his ankles’.
CNN reports that Bristy also sustained multiple stab wounds.
Investigators also allege Abugarbieh used ChatGPT in the period leading up to the disappearance to ask questions about disposing of a body.
He is also reported to have looked up: ‘Can a knife penetrate a skull?’ and ‘Can a neighbor hear a gunshot?’.
At a news conference yesterday (May 1), Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said Abugarbieh appeared ‘nonreactive’ when detectives confronted him with what they say their investigation has uncovered.
“He was callous and showed no emotion when we showed him the information we had,” he said, according to WRAL News.
Chronister also said Abugarbieh allegedly bought Lysol wipes and heavy duty contractor-grade trash bags before Bristy and Limon vanished, alongside the reported online searches.
“This was calculating. That’s what makes this so premeditated,” Chronister added, referencing the details gathered so far.
Investigators have not yet announced a suspected motive in the case at the time of writing.
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