TAMPA, FL. (THECOUNT) — Nahida Bristy, a University of South Florida doctoral student originally from Bangladesh, has been identified as the second victim in a double homicide investigation in the Tampa Bay area, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. The discovery came days after the body of fellow doctoral student Zamil Limon was located on April 24 along the Howard Frankland Bridge.
She was 27.
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Authorities said human remains recovered Sunday near a bridge in the Tampa Bay area were positively identified as Bristy.
Investigators reported that both Bristy and Limon were last seen on April 16 in Tampa. Two days after Limon’s body was found, a black trash bag was discovered on the shoreline just south of that location. Inside, officials located additional human remains in an advanced stage of decomposition, according to an arrest affidavit.
Authorities noted the bag was tied in a manner similar to the one containing Limon’s remains. Investigators also stated the victim was wearing clothing consistent with what Bristy was last seen wearing on surveillance footage. Officials further confirmed the remains showed evidence of multiple stab wounds.
Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, has been taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in connection with the deaths of Bristy and Limon. Additional charges include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death with intent to conceal, tampering with physical evidence, false imprisonment, and battery, according to the state attorney’s office.
Abugharbieh, 26, remains in custody as he awaits trial following a judge’s ruling. Prosecutors cited the violent nature of the alleged crimes in requesting continued detention.
According to officials, Limon sustained multiple stab wounds, including a fatal injury that penetrated internal organs. Investigators also reported that he had been restrained prior to his death.
Authorities previously contacted Bristy’s family in Bangladesh after discovering evidence at the residence shared by Limon and the suspect that indicated she may have been deceased.
Abugharbieh was arrested on April 24 at a residence in Lutz, Florida, after deputies responded to a domestic violence-related call, officials said.
Bristy was pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering at the University of South Florida. She previously earned a master’s degree in engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and a bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry and chemical engineering from Noakhali Science and Technology University.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to process evidence and prepare for prosecution.
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