Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister offered a detailed timeline of events in the investigation connected to two University of South Florida students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, outlining how the case unfolded.
April 17
On April 17, the University of South Florida Police Department was notified that one of the victims had been reported missing.
Sheriff Chronister said early in the investigation, “she was responsible,” referring to the initial urgency placed on locating the student. USF police began constructing a timeline of her last known movements.
At this stage, investigators focused on identifying where she was last seen and who she had been in contact with.
April 18
HCSO received a second report, this time involving Zamil, who had not responded to calls or been to the apartment.
Investigators quickly determined the two missing persons cases were connected, prompting the involvement of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office alongside USF police.
Detectives visited Zamil’s residence, where he lived with two roommates. Investigators noted inconsistencies in one roommate’s statements, while the other was described as cooperative and concerned.
During the initial conversations, investigators said the cooperative roommate told them the front doormat was missing and so were some pots and pans.
April 20
The first major break in the case came on April 20, when investigators searched a dumpster connected to the residence.
Inside, they recovered Zamil’s glasses, student ID, wallet, and clothing that showed significant blood evidence. At this point, both individuals were officially classified as “missing and endangered,” and investigative efforts intensified.
Authorities then obtained search warrants for the residence, both roommates, their phones, vehicles, and personal belongings.
Using a a device called Blue Star, investigators could see there was a large pool of blood in the kitchen area that continued down into the suspects bedroom. The technology is so strong Chronister said they could see a human outline.
(More details will not be shared about the scene in respect of the families.)
Digital forensics and disturbing search history
A forensic review of a suspect’s phone revealed that search histories had been deleted, but investigators recovered extensive data through digital analysis.
Among the recovered searches were queries such as:
whether a knife could penetrate bone
whether neighbors could hear gunshots
how to dispose of a body in a dumpster
Investigators also found purchases made through online platforms for heavy-duty contractor bags, cleaning supplies, duct tape, and lighters.
Officials said many of these actions occurred before both victims were reported missing.
Sheriff Chronister described the actions as “calculated.”
Evidence of injuries and vehicle findings
Investigators also documented injuries on the suspect, including lacerations consistent with what officials described as possible defensive wounds.
Inside a vehicle tied to the investigation, authorities used Blue Star and found little traces of blood in the truck. but found large amount traces of blood on the passenger side, later identified as Bristy.
The vehicle’s GPS data had also been wiped, just like his phone.
Surveillance footage later showed the suspect traveling toward Clearwater and crossing the Howard Frankland Bridge where he stopped and spent some time on it, prompting a large-scale search effort involving marine units, aviation teams, drone operators, and divers.
April 24
A large black trash bag was discovered on the side of the road on the Howard Frankland Bridge, in Pinellas County.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and medical examiner’s office responded and took custody of the evidence.
Investigators later confirmed the remains belonged to Zamil, identified through fingerprint records and early-stage forensic analysis.
Authorities determined he had suffered multiple stab wounds and had been restrained before being placed in the bag.
Domestic violence report and continued surveillance
Around the same time, investigators received a call from the suspect’s family reporting a domestic violence incident the night prior. Officials said the suspect had exhibited erratic and aggressive behavior toward family members. He was humping and grinding on his little sister trying to kiss her.
Law enforcement maintained surveillance on the suspect as the investigation continued.
April 25
On April 25, the suspect was charged in connection with both murders.
Investigators also learned the suspect had purchased a firearm from a pawn shop prior to the arrest.
After several hours of attempted contact, authorities made the decision to call SWAT. The suspect surrendered and his name was released to the public.
The suspect was identified as Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh. He was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree with a weapon twice, unlawfully hold or move dead human body in unapproved conditions, failure to report death to medical examiner or law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence, false imprisonment and battery
During the same period, law enforcement continued searching for the second victim, Nahida.
April 26
Authorities received a report involving two kayakers in Pinellas County who discovered a bag lodged in mangroves. When trying to remove their hook from the bag, it ripped open and could see human remains.
Marine units and forensic teams responded to recover the evidence. Due to the advanced stages of decomposition the body could not be ID by fingerprints. After further more intense examinations, DNA and dental work was able to ID the victim as Bristy.
April 30
After more intense examinations of the human remains, DNA and dental work was able to ID the victim as Bristy.
May 1: Press conference and ongoing investigation
At a press conference on May 1, Sheriff Chronister confirmed both victims had been located and notified their families.
He stated that both bodies were being processed for release to families for religious burial practices in Bangladesh.
“There are a lot more details to share, but we are not able to release them at this time,” said Chronister, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
He confirmed that detectives are continuing to execute subpoenas and review records that could lead to additional charges.
Chronister said they are still working to determine a clear motive. He said Abugharbieh has been cooperative in discussing most topics except the victims.
“He was non-reactive, calm, and showed no emotion,” Chronister said.
Chronister also said there have been previous reports made to the apartment complex about Abugharbieh behavior pattern of disturbing comments and acting erratic.
Based on available evidence, investigators believe both victims, Limon and Bristy, were likely killed at or near the residence, but officials cautioned that the exact timeline and location are still being confirmed.
Authorities also continue to review digital communications, including messages suggesting contact between the victims prior to their disappearance.
The case remains active, with further forensic analysis, records reviews, and legal processes ongoing as investigators work to fully understand the sequence of events and potential additional charges.