The remains found Sunday near the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa have been confirmed through DNA testing as those of Nahida Bristy, a missing University of South Florida doctoral student, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The confirmation comes days after the body of former boyfriend and fellow student Zamil Limon was discovered in the same area, both victims of multiple stab wounds.
Investigators say both Bristy and Limon, both 27 and originally from Bangladesh, were last seen nearly two weeks ago in Tampa. Evidence gathered from surveillance video, phone records, and forensic analysis led authorities to the grim discovery of Limon’s body in a black trash bag on Friday, April 24. Bristy’s remains, also inside a trash bag and in an advanced stage of decomposition, were found nearby two days later. Both bags were tied with similar knots and the clothing matched what Bristy was last seen wearing.
Hisham Abugharbieh, Limon’s roommate, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and remains held without bond. Investigators detailed in court records that Abugharbieh allegedly made suspicious purchases—such as duct tape and trash bags—before the killings, and used ChatGPT to ask about body disposal. Prosecutors say phone and traffic data placed Abugharbieh at the Howard Frankland Bridge during the early morning hours of Friday, April 17, corresponding with the time when both victims disappeared.
Abugharbieh faces additional charges including tampering with evidence, unlawful moving of a dead body, false imprisonment, and battery. He will remain in custody as he awaits trial, according to a recent court order.
The case has also drawn attention to the role of artificial intelligence, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announcing an expanded state investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT’s involvement in the suspect’s alleged planning. OpenAI has pledged cooperation with law enforcement.
Authorities continue to seek information from anyone who was on the Howard Frankland Bridge between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday, April 17, and are urging the public to share dashcam footage or tips with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
A formal arraignment for Abugharbieh has not yet been scheduled as the homicide investigation moves forward.
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