US Roommate Charged in Murder of Two Bangladeshis

A man has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in connection with the deaths of two Bangladeshi students in the United States, in a case that has shocked the local academic community.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed charges against Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, who was the off-campus roommate of one of the victims.

The victims, Zamil Limon and Nahida Sultana Bristy, both 27, were described as promising scholars. Their disappearance on April 17 triggered an intensive search operation after a family friend reported them missing.

Limon was last seen at his apartment, while Bristy was last spotted at a university research facility. The investigation took a tragic turn when Limon’s body was recovered from the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. Authorities are still searching for Bristy’s remains, though investigators say evidence is sufficient to proceed with a murder charge in her case as well.

A family member later confirmed Bristy’s death, although official recovery details have not yet been verified.

Sheriff Chad Chronister described the case as deeply disturbing, saying it has had a significant impact on the university community.

Abugharbieh was arrested after a tense standoff at his family home, where he allegedly barricaded himself following a domestic violence call. A tactical unit later secured his surrender using drones and robots.

Before the murder indictment, he was already facing multiple charges, including evidence tampering, false imprisonment, battery, and unlawful transport of human remains. Investigators also noted that he initially cooperated with police but later stopped speaking to them as evidence linked him more closely to the crime.

Records show he has a prior history involving allegations of battery and burglary, along with earlier domestic violence complaints.

Limon and Bristy were reportedly in a long-term relationship and planning to marry, according to family members. Authorities say Abugharbieh remains the sole suspect, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and sequence of events.