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A chilling discovery has brought a tragic turn to a growing investigation, as a missing usf student found dead case unfolds in Tampa, leaving one student confirmed deceased, another still missing, and a roommate now facing serious criminal charges.

Authorities say the remains of a University of South Florida doctoral student were located Thursday, intensifying concerns and deepening the mystery surrounding the disappearance of two young scholars.

Remains Identified on Tampa Bridge

Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the body of Zamil Limon, 27, was discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge on April 24.

Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said the remains were positively identified, marking a grim milestone in the case after days of searching.

Limon had last been seen in the Tampa area on April 16, alongside fellow student Nahida S. Bristy, also 27.

Roommate Arrested After Standoff

Earlier that same day, authorities arrested Hisham Abugarbieh, identified as Limon’s roommate, following a tense situation in which he barricaded himself inside a home roughly a mile from University of South Florida.

Abugarbieh now faces multiple charges, including domestic violence, tampering with evidence, and unlawfully holding or removing a dead human body.

The arrest added a sharp new dimension to the investigation, shifting it from a missing persons case into a potential criminal inquiry.

Search Intensifies for Second Missing Student

While the discovery of Limon’s remains answers one question, it leaves another unresolved.

Authorities say they are still actively searching for Bristy, who lived on campus and remains missing.

Maurer urged the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her.

“If you have any tips, please report them immediately so we can recover her to safety,” he said.

Timeline of Disappearance

According to the University of South Florida Police Department, a family friend reported both students missing shortly before 5 p.m. on April 17 after being unable to contact them.

Both campus police and the sheriff’s office launched investigations, documenting the case and coordinating search efforts.

Who Were the Missing Students?

Limon was pursuing advanced studies in geography, environmental science, and policy, while Bristy is a student in chemical engineering.

Authorities have not disclosed the nature of their relationship, but on April 23, investigators classified both as “endangered,” without providing further details.

A Community on Edge

The missing usf student found dead case has sent shockwaves through the university community, where concern has now turned into grief and uncertainty.

As investigators continue to piece together what happened, the focus remains on finding Bristy and uncovering the events that led to this tragic outcome.