Second missing USF student's remains identified near Tampa Bay bridge

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister confirmed Friday that human remains found near a Tampa Bay bridge Sunday belong to Nahida Bristy, a 27-year-old University of South Florida doctoral student. Bristy and fellow student Zamil Limon vanished on April 16. Limon’s body was discovered on April 24 on the Howard Frankland Bridge.

Investigators found Bristy’s remains in a black trash bag tied in the same knot as Limon’s, according to an arrest affidavit. The bag was spotted two days after Limon’s discovery, just south of the bridge. The body was wearing clothing matching Bristy’s last known appearance, officials said.

Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds. Limon had a deep wound to his lower back that pierced his liver, and his legs were severed to make his body fit inside the bag. “He was left on the side of the road like a piece of trash,” Chronister said. The motive remains unclear.

Hisham Abugharbieh, Limon’s roommate, faces two counts of first-degree murder and other charges. He was arrested after a domestic violence call in Lutz, Florida. A judge ordered him held in jail due to the “brutal and violent nature” of the alleged crimes.

Bristy’s brother, Zahid Pranto, said her family was “overwhelmed” by the news. The sheriff notified them hours before a public announcement. “Our internal world is upside down right now,” Pranto said. Bristy’s family is working with the Bangladesh embassy to repatriate her remains.

Bristy, a chemical engineering doctoral student, had a master’s from Bangladesh’s engineering university and a bachelor’s in applied chemistry. She aimed to return home and contribute to her country, her brother said. “She was the perfect sister,” Pranto added.

University President Moez Limayem called Bristy and Limon “exemplary students” who “contributed to our university in meaningful ways.” Professors described Bristy as “quiet, soft-spoken, and enthusiastic.”

Limon’s family said they hope Bristy’s loved ones “may find some measure of peace.” Chronister called the killings “gruesome” and said they “contradict everything Florida and the United States stand for.”

The medical examiner’s report detailed Limon’s injuries, including bindings and severed limbs. Investigators had earlier informed Bristy’s family in Bangladesh that she might be dead, citing blood found in the suspect’s apartment. Abugharbieh is awaiting trial, with no bail set.

Professor Mohammad Ismail, vice chancellor at Bristy’s Bangladeshi university, called her death an “irreparable loss.” A USF vigil honored both students, with colleagues recalling their kindness and academic dedication. “Her qualities never left her,” said Vinay Gupta, a department chair.