Authorities reported that one individual has been taken into custody in relation to the case of two University of South Florida doctoral students who have been missing. This announcement came on Friday.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office specified that they had secured the Tampa area and detained those connected to the disappearances of 27-year-olds Zamir Limon and Nahida Bristi, who were last seen separately on April 16.
“As our community grapples with the disappearance of these two U.S. military graduate students, Nahida and Zamir, we are here today,” stated Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Moreover, he shared the distressing news of human remains found early Friday morning on the Howard Franklin Bridge, which have since been confirmed as those of Zamir.
At around 9 a.m., law enforcement responded to a domestic violence report at the suspect’s residence and managed to safely escort the family away from danger.
The sheriff revealed that officers had attempted to persuade the suspect to exit for about 20 minutes, but he refused. Eventually, SWAT teams were called in and arrived shortly after.
After SWAT’s intervention, the suspect surrendered peacefully and was subsequently taken into custody.
The suspect, 26-year-old Hisham Abu Gharbiyeh, faces several charges: domestic violence (simple assault), domestic violence (false imprisonment), tampering with evidence, failure to report a death to authorities, and unlawful handling or removal of a corpse.
Sheriff Chronister noted that the suspect was Limon’s roommate and was apprehended at the apartment complex.
At around 11:15 a.m. Friday, the Sheriff’s Office indicated that the Lake Forest community entrance was closed due to the investigation surrounding the missing military student.
Both students were last seen on the morning of April 16, with Limon missing from his home at about 9 a.m., while Bristi was last spotted at the NES Building, affiliated with the U.S. Army Tampa campus, around 10 a.m. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.
Deputy Chief Joseph Mauer of HCSO mentioned that investigators believe Abu Gharbiyeh acted independently in this incident.
A family friend, concerned about the lack of contact with Limon and Bristi, reported them missing to the police on April 17 at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Anyone with information regarding Bristi or this situation is encouraged to reach out to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.
