Authorities say a former student at the University of South Florida has been charged in the deaths of his roommate and the roommate’s girlfriend, both doctoral students from Bangladesh who were reported missing earlier this month.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is accused of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder involving a weapon in connection with the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He appeared in court for the first time on Saturday in Tampa, where a judge ordered that he be held without bond. Another hearing is scheduled for April 28.
Investigators located Limon’s remains on Friday morning, officials said. As of that time, Bristy had not yet been found. Authorities confirmed that Abugharbieh, who was born in the United States, was arrested on Friday as the investigation continued.