Body of Missing USF Doctoral Student Identified
Authorities have confirmed that the human remains discovered near a Tampa Bay bridge on April 26 belong to Nahida Bristi, a doctoral student at the University of South Florida who had been reported missing.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stated that DNA analysis, dental records, and clothing were used to identify Bristi. Sheriff Chad Chronister shared the news, noting that they’ve contacted her family and are now working to return both Bristi’s and her companion’s remains to their families in Bangladesh for cultural reasons.
Bristi and another University of South Florida doctoral student, Zamir Limon, were last seen on April 16, shortly before they disappeared. Limon’s body was located on the Howard Frankland Bridge two days prior, on April 24.
“While this identification brings answers, it also brings immense sadness,” Sheriff Chronister expressed. “Nahida and Zamir were not simply students; they were passionate, ambitious individuals expected to have bright futures. Our thoughts are with their families as they navigate this tragic reality. We are determined to uncover the full truth and ensure justice is served.”
Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugarbi, is currently in custody and facing multiple charges, including murder. He is also charged with more serious allegations such as domestic violence and tampering with evidence.
According to reports, Bristi was spotted on surveillance footage at 12 p.m. on April 16, and a friend reported her missing to the authorities from U.S. Forces Japan the following day. Limon was reported missing soon after, prompting an investigation that was handed over to law enforcement on April 22.
During the investigation, authorities searched Limon’s apartment and found various personal items belonging to both victims, including a shirt with blood and some damaged belongings. Marine and dive units were also deployed to search areas related to the victims’ last known locations based on cell phone data.
Kayakers stumbled upon Bristi’s body in a mangrove area close to Interstate 275 after their equipment snagged a garbage bag. The body was identified as being in an advanced state of decomposition, which made the identification process lengthy.
Detectives are still piecing together the evidence, including finding bloodstains in the apartment shared by Limon and his roommate, as they work to establish a clearer motive in this ongoing investigation.
Law enforcement officials are currently handling arrangements to return the bodies of both victims to their families in Bangladesh, honoring their last wishes.
