USF Student Investigated in Doctoral Student Deaths

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is accused in the murders of two University of South Florida (USF) doctoral students, Limon and Nahida Bristy. Investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting Abugharbieh researched methods of disposing of a body using the ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot days before the students went missing.

Disturbing ChatGPT Searches Revealed

Details of the Inquiries

Prosecutors have filed a report detailing Abugharbieh’s ChatGPT searches. These included questions about disposing of a human body in a garbage bag and dumpster, altering a vehicle identification number (VIN), and the legality of possessing a firearm without a license. ChatGPT reportedly flagged one of these queries as potentially dangerous.

Timeline of Events

Disappearance and Initial Investigation

The case began on April 17th when a friend reported being unable to contact Limon or Bristy. A search of Bristy’s office found her belongings, while a search of the apartment shared by Limon and Abugharbieh revealed signs of a violent struggle.

Evidence Found at the Apartment

Detectives observed a bandaged finger on Abugharbieh and discovered Limon’s wallet, ID, and blood-stained clothing in the apartment’s trash compactor. Further investigation revealed blood leading from the kitchen to Abugharbieh’s bedroom, and Bristy’s ID and credit cards were found in Limon’s room.

Discovery of the Body

Cellphone data and license plate readers placed both Abugharbieh’s car and Limon’s phone near a bridge and Clearwater Beach. A search near the bridge resulted in the discovery of a trash bag containing Limon’s body, which had sustained numerous stab wounds.

Arrest and Charges

Standoff with Law Enforcement

Abugharbieh’s arrest followed a standoff with law enforcement at his family’s home, where he barricaded himself inside. A SWAT team, utilizing a drone and a robot, was deployed before he surrendered.

Current Charges

He was initially arrested on charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. He now faces first-degree murder charges with a weapon in the deaths of both Limon and Bristy and is being held without bond. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Victims and Background

Limon was a student of geography, environmental science, and policy, while Bristy was pursuing a Ph. D. in chemical engineering at USF. The university has expressed condolences and described Bristy as a talented student. Abugharbieh was a USF student from 2021 to 2023, studying Management, but was not enrolled at the time of the incident.