Disturbing new details have emerged in the murder case of two Bangladeshi PhD students in Florida, as court documents reveal that the prime suspect allegedly searched an AI chatbot, ChatGPT, about disposing of a human body days before the killings.
The suspect, 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh, has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the deaths of Zamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Bristy, both 27. Limon’s body has been recovered, while Bristy remains missing, though investigators believe she is also dead.
According to a court filing cited by NBC News, Abugharbieh allegedly asked the chatbot on April 13, “What happens if a human is put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster?” After receiving a warning response, he reportedly followed up by asking, “How would they find out?” Prosecutors argue that this exchange indicates clear premeditation.
Investigators revealed that on April 17, a roommate saw Abugharbieh moving cardboard boxes to a dumpster at their apartment complex. A subsequent search of the dumpster led to the recovery of Limon’s belongings, including his student ID and credit cards. DNA evidence further strengthened the case—genetic material found on a grey T-shirt matched Limon, while DNA recovered from a kitchen mat matched Bristy.
Authorities from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office later recovered Limon’s remains inside a heavy-duty trash bag. An autopsy confirmed that he died from multiple sharp-force injuries.
Search operations near the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa led to the discovery of additional human remains, which are yet to be identified. Investigators suspect these may belong to Bristy, who is still officially missing.
Initially, Abugharbieh denied any knowledge of the victims’ whereabouts and claimed they had never been in his car. However, after being confronted with location data placing both his vehicle and Limon’s phone in Clearwater, he changed his statement, admitting he had driven them there but failing to provide a clear explanation.
Prosecutors also allege that on the night of the disappearance, the suspect purchased trash bags, disinfectant wipes, and air fresheners. Blood was found in his apartment, and he is accused of disposing of several items, including Bristy’s phone cover.
At the time of his arrest, Abugharbieh had visible injuries, including a cut on his finger and wounds on his legs. He reportedly claimed the finger injury occurred while cutting onions.
He was arrested on Friday after a brief standoff and is currently being held without bond. In addition to murder charges, he faces multiple other counts, including false imprisonment, failure to report a death, unlawful disposal of human remains, and evidence tampering. A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive behind the killings.
Family members stated that Limon and Bristy were previously in a relationship and were planning to marry. In a joint statement, their families requested that their remains be handled according to Islamic funeral rites and called for a memorial in their honor.
The University of South Florida has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring student safety.
