Roommate charged with murder in deaths of two USF doctoral students from Bangladesh

Limon and Bristy, both 27, had disappeared from the USF campus on April 16, according to the Associated Press and the New York Times. Limon, who studied geography, environmental science and policy, was last seen at the off-campus apartment he shared with Abugharbieh. Bristy, a chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate, was last seen about an hour later at a campus science building. A relative told the AP that the two were considering marriage.

Officers first encountered Abugharbieh on Friday when they responded to a domestic violence report at his family's home just north of campus, the AP reported. After officers moved his relatives to safety, Abugharbieh barricaded himself inside the residence. A SWAT team, a drone, a robot, and crisis negotiators responded before Abugharbieh emerged with his hands up, wearing what the AP described as apparently nothing but a blue towel. He was initially taken into custody on preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. The murder charges followed Saturday.

Abugharbieh had attended USF from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023 and was pursuing a bachelor's degree in management, according to a university spokesperson cited by the AP. He was not currently enrolled at the time of the incident. The AP reported he had a prior arrest record, including battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling charges in 2023, both classified as misdemeanors. Court records show he completed a diversion program for first-time offenders in 2024 and the charges were discontinued. Hillsborough County court records also showed two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023; a judge granted an injunction in one case and denied the other.

Bristy's alma mater, Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh, issued a statement Saturday describing her as a talented and promising student. Vice Chancellor Mohammad Ismail said, "Her sudden passing has deeply saddened all of us," and the university called for punishment for those responsible and compensation for her family. An autopsy on Limon's remains was underway to determine manner and cause of death, with results expected Saturday, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said Friday.

The search for Bristy continued as of Saturday. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office asked anyone with information about her disappearance to come forward.