The remains of University of South Florida doctoral student Nahida Bristy have been positively identified, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced Friday. Bristy's body was discovered Sunday in a garbage bag by a kayaker in Tampa Bay. Identification was made through DNA and dental records.
Bristy and her classmate Zamil Limon, both 27 and from Bangladesh, were reported missing April 16. Limon's remains were found on a bridge over Tampa Bay on April 24. Both bodies had similar stab wounds and were found in bags tied with the same type of knot.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon's roommate, was taken into custody and faces two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon. He also faces charges including moving a dead body, tampering with evidence, and false imprisonment. Chronister described the suspect as callous and non-reactive when presented with evidence.
Authorities are still investigating a motive. Forensic examination of the suspect's phone revealed searches for "Can a knife penetrate a skull?" and "Can a neighbor hear a gunshot?" The suspect had also purchased Lysol wipes and heavy-duty trash bags. Blood evidence was found in the apartment, including a shape consistent with a human body in fetal position next to the suspect's bed.