Prosecutors have unveiled disturbing new evidence in the case of Zamil Limon, a doctoral student found dead in Florida, and the disappearance of his friend, Nahida Bristy. The evidence points to a premeditated crime, including online searches related to disposing of a body and purchases of items used for concealment.

Details of the Case

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon’s roommate, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon for the deaths of both students, who were both 27 years old. Authorities are continuing their search for Bristy and working to identify additional human remains discovered Sunday south of the bridge, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Evidence Presented by Prosecutors

A medical examiner’s report indicates Limon died from “multiple sharp force injuries,” including a deep stab wound to his lower back that penetrated his liver. Prosecutors are seeking to detain Abugharbieh pending trial, arguing the violent nature of the alleged crimes poses a clear danger to the community.

Online Searches and Purchases

Prosecutors allege Abugharbieh conducted a series of concerning online searches using ChatGPT in the days leading up to the students’ disappearance. On April 13, he asked, “What happens if a human has a put (sic) in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster?” He also purchased duct tape, trash bags, lighter fuel, fire starter, and charcoal from Amazon in the week prior to the alleged killings.

A fake beard was shipped to Abugharbieh on April 15. Subsequent searches included questions about legally owning a gun without a license and altering a vehicle’s VIN number. Following the alleged killings, he searched for survival rates from sniper shots and the audibility of gunshots.

Conflicting Statements and Injuries

Abugharbieh initially denied seeing Limon and Bristy on April 16, then claimed they had never been in his vehicle or that he had visited Clearwater. He later changed his story, stating Limon requested a ride to Clearwater with his girlfriend. Investigators observed injuries on Abugharbieh, including a bandaged finger and lacerations on his arm and legs.

Additional Findings

A DoorDash order from Abugharbieh’s phone on April 16 included trash bags, Lysol wipes, and Febreze, delivered to the apartment. Bristy’s family in Bangladesh has been informed that she is presumed dead, based on the amount of blood found in the apartment shared by Limon and the suspect.