Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of University of South Florida doctoral students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27. The case has drawn national attention after court documents revealed that Abugharbieh allegedly asked ChatGPT questions about disposing of a human body in the days before the victims were last seen alive.

Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both originally from Bangladesh and pursuing advanced degrees at USF, were reported missing in mid-April 2026. Limon’s body was later discovered wrapped in black trash bags along the Howard Frankland Bridge overlooking Tampa Bay. Bristy remains missing, though authorities believe she is also deceased based on the volume of blood found at the apartment the three individuals shared. Abugharbieh was Limon’s roommate.

According to prosecutors, Abugharbieh queried ChatGPT on April 13 with the question: “what happens if a human is put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster?” When the AI responded that the query sounded dangerous, he allegedly followed up with “how would they find out.” Additional searches in the following days reportedly included questions about changing a vehicle VIN number, keeping a gun without a license, whether neighbors would hear a gunshot, and the definition of a “missing endangered adult.”

Investigators say Abugharbieh was arrested on April 24 after a standoff at his family’s home. He faces additional charges including unlawfully moving a dead human body and failure to report a death with intent to conceal it. Court records indicate he ordered cleaning supplies and duct tape in the period surrounding the alleged crimes. Blood evidence was reportedly found inside the shared apartment.

The victims were last seen on April 16. Limon’s remains were recovered several days later. Authorities have described the killings as premeditated. Abugharbieh, a former USF student who was no longer enrolled, was taken into custody without incident after initially barricading himself during the arrest operation.

The case has shocked the University of South Florida community, where both victims were known as dedicated graduate students. Friends and family members of Limon and Bristy have expressed profound grief and called for justice. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to search for Bristy and analyze digital evidence, including phone records and search history.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office officials have stated that the probe is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact authorities. Abugharbieh is being held without bond ahead of further court proceedings, including a pretrial detention hearing.

The use of artificial intelligence in the alleged planning and cover-up has added a modern dimension to the case, raising broader questions about how digital tools can intersect with criminal activity. Prosecutors have used the ChatGPT queries as part of their argument to keep Abugharbieh detained while awaiting trial. No trial date has been set.

As details continue to emerge, the double homicide has left the Tampa Bay area and the international student community on edge. Both Limon and Bristy were described by those who knew them as kind, ambitious individuals focused on their academic pursuits. Their families overseas have been notified and are working with U.S. authorities.

The investigation highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when digital footprints, including AI interactions, become part of a criminal case. Authorities emphasize that Abugharbieh is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.