This was not a crime committed in a moment of rage. Court documents indicate a calculated, cold-blooded plan—one that was carried out step by step over several days. The accused allegedly purchased materials in advance, searched online about how to dispose of a body, attempted to alter his appearance with a fake beard, and ultimately killed his
roommate and the roommate’s partner before disposing of the bodies in trash bags in the water near a bridge.
The accused has been identified as Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh. The victims were two Bangladeshi doctoral students at University of South Florida—Jamil Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti.
The motive for the killings remains unclear. However, emerging details suggest a possible context. Jamil and Brishti were reportedly close and had been considering marriage. Brishti frequently visited Jamil’s apartment, where Abugharbieh was also living as a roommate. According to his mother, he had a history of anger management issues and past violent
behavior within the family. Whether the crime stemmed from conflict, jealousy, or sudden escalation is still under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed any clear motive, and there is no verified evidence linking Brishti to the accused beyond the circumstances already known. Some claims circulating on social media remain speculative and
unverified.
Investigators say preparation began at least ten days before the murders. On April 7, Abugharbieh ordered duct tape online. On April 11, he purchased fire starters, charcoal, heavy-duty trash bags, and lighter fluid. On April 13, he reportedly searched how disposing of a body in a trash bag would work and followed up with questions suggesting concern
about being detected. On April 15, a day before the incident, he ordered a fake beard and searched about firearm possession laws.
On April 16, Brishti was last seen leaving her campus office around 12:08 p.m., according to surveillance footage. She later made several phone calls to Jamil. A friend who was expecting to meet her at 5:00 p.m. said she never arrived. That same night, her shoes, umbrella, and personal belongings, including her university ID and credit card, were
found in Jamil’s apartment—indicating she had gone there earlier that day.
The medical examiner’s report states that Jamil died from multiple sharp-force injuries. His body showed severe trauma, including deep wounds and signs of post-mortem handling. Authorities described the level of violence as extreme.
After the killings, the suspect allegedly purchased cleaning supplies, including trash bags and disinfectants. Surveillance and witness accounts indicate he disposed of items in a dumpster using a cart, claiming they were old belongings. Phone location data places him near Howard Frankland Bridge during the early hours of April 17, where investigators believe the body was disposed of.
The investigation progressed through forensic evidence. DNA recovered from items in a trash compactor matched both victims. Blood patterns inside the apartment indicated violent struggle and movement of bodies. Additional materials, including unused trash bags, were recovered from the suspect’s room. Surveillance footage also placed his vehicle near coastal areas relevant to the investigation.
On April 24, after Jamil’s remains were recovered near the bridge, law enforcement surrounded the suspect’s family residence. He eventually surrendered to authorities. On April 25, he was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond.
On April 26, another set of human remains was recovered from a waterway near Interstate 275 and 4th Street North in Pinellas County. The Pinellas County Medical Examiner is working to confirm the identity. Authorities have not officially confirmed whether the remains belong to Brishti, though many believe this may be the case.
In a statement, the University of South Florida said its “hearts are with the families and friends of the victims.”
The Bangladeshi community in the United States and abroad, along with the victims’ families, remain in deep grief and shock. Two young scholars, pursuing PhDs and building their futures, have had their lives cut short in what investigators describe as a brutal and premeditated act of violence.
