The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office has formally requested the death penalty for 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, who stands accused of murdering two doctoral students from the University of South Florida (USF) originally from Bangladesh.
According to NBC Miami, this request came just a day after a Hillsborough County grand jury issued a formal indictment against Abugharbieh, charging him with seven offenses: two counts of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of unlawful transportation of human remains, and two counts of failure to report deaths.
The victims, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were pursuing advanced degrees; Limon in geography, environmental science, and policy, and Bristy in chemical engineering.
The pair vanished on April 16. Limon was last seen at the apartment he shared with Abugharbieh, while Bristy was last seen at a science building on the campus.
Limon's body was discovered on April 24 beneath the Howard Frankland Bridge, wrapped in black garbage bags, with multiple stab wounds and apparently bound. A kayaker found Bristy's body two days later in the same vicinity when his fishing line snagged a bag.
Court documents reveal a calculated plan for the crimes. On April 13, three days prior, Abugharbieh allegedly consulted ChatGPT about disposing of a body using black trash bags, whether a headshot would be survivable, and if gunshots could be heard by neighbors.
On the night of April 16, a witness saw him transporting cardboard boxes with a cart towards the residential complex's trash compactor.
In that compactor, authorities discovered Limon's wallet, university ID, credit card, blood-stained clothing, and Bristy's pink phone case.
A CVS pharmacy receipt timestamped 10:47 pm on that same night documented the purchase of garbage bags, disinfectant wipes, and air freshener. The suspect's phone location data placed him at the Howard Frankland Bridge that night.
Detectives found blood traces from the kitchen to Abugharbieh's bedroom in the apartment, with the carpet soaked. In Limon's room, they discovered Bristy's university ID and credit cards.
The prosecution asserted that "the evidence will show Hisham Abugharbieh used a sharp instrument to fatally injure Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy multiple times, resulting in their deaths."
Abugharbieh was arrested on April 24 after barricading himself in his family's home before surrendering peacefully to a SWAT team. He remains in custody without bail.
The accused's mother, Haya Abugharbieh, informed investigators that her son "was known to struggle with anger management and had been violent towards family members in the past."
Court records also reveal a protection order filed in 2023 by his brother, as well as a criminal history involving domestic violence earlier this year.
In Florida, premeditated first-degree murder is a capital offense, potentially resulting in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Defense attorney Jennifer Spradley from the Tampa Public Defender's Office has declined to comment on the case.
The formal arraignment is set for May 18, from which point the prosecution has 45 days to officially submit the death penalty notice to the court.
Frequently Asked Questions about the USF Student Murders Case
What charges is Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh facing?
Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh is facing seven charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of unlawful transportation of human remains, and two counts of failing to report deaths.
What evidence links Abugharbieh to the murders?
Evidence includes blood traces in the apartment, the discovery of personal items in a trash compactor, and phone location data placing him at the crime scene. Additionally, he allegedly sought advice from ChatGPT regarding body disposal.
When is the formal arraignment scheduled?
The formal arraignment for Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh is scheduled for May 18.