The University of South Florida (USF) has confirmed that two Bangladeshi graduate students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, were covered by health insurance that includes repatriation benefits following their tragic deaths.
Golam Mortoza, Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, announced on Sunday that USF is opening a case under the instructions of the insurance company’s contact to facilitate the process.
The victims have been identified as Zamil Limon, a Geography and Environmental Science and Policy student who joined USF in Fall 2024, and Nahida Bristy, a Chemical Engineering student who began her studies in Fall 2025.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh, an ex-USF student and native-born US citizen, is now facing two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon.
Abugharbieh was initially taken into custody on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a standoff where he barricaded himself inside a residence in the Lake Forest subdivision in Tampa.
He originally faced preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery.
Following an initial court appearance on Saturday, he was ordered to be held without bond, with a formal hearing scheduled for April 28.
While online court records do not yet list an attorney for the defendant, investigators have characterized the tragedy as an isolated incident that occurred off-campus, asserting that the suspect acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the university community.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has conveyed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and indicated they will coordinate next steps directly with the next of kin.
They advised the Bangladesh Mission to consult with the families regarding any specific needs. Currently, authorities are unable to disclose information regarding collected evidence, as the criminal investigation remains active.
USF President Moez Limayem stated, “We will continue to closely monitor the latest developments and share updates as appropriate,” as the community mourns the loss of the two international scholars.
