One of two missing University of South Florida doctoral students found dead

One of two Bangladeshi doctoral students missing from the University of South Florida (USF) has been found dead, and his roommate has been arrested as a suspect in the case, reports CNN.

Zamil Limon, 27, was found dead Friday on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa Bay, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. His fellow student and compatriot, Nahida Bristy, 27, remains missing.

Limon and Bristy were reported missing by a family friend on April 17 after being last seen near the USF campus the previous day. Limon’s body was discovered Friday, while search efforts continue for Bristy.

Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, a former USF student, was arrested Friday morning following a domestic violence incident at his home. He faces multiple charges, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a dead body.

Before his arrest, Abugharbieh had been interviewed by investigators at least twice. He initially cooperated but stopped speaking during a second interview. A SWAT team was required to arrest him after he barricaded himself inside his family’s home, where a judge had previously barred him due to previous domestic violence allegations.

Limon and Bristy were both pursuing doctoral degrees at USF. Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, while Bristy was pursuing chemical engineering. Limon had reportedly spoken to his family about courting Bristy and discussing a possible marriage.

Limon’s brother, Zubaer Ahmed, told CNN the family was in “deep pain.” “We are becoming numb. Anything could be possible. We just want to know the truth,” he said.

A medical examiner is working to determine Limon’s cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.