The alleged murder of two Bangladeshi students in the United States took a horrific turn after the body of Nahida Sultana Bristi was found, as investigators detailed how they solved the mysterious disappearance of two students from the University of South Florida campus. Bristi’s body was found days after the body of her friend Zamir Ahmed Limon was found. The investigation is ongoing and the body has been sent to Bangladesh for last rites.
Forensic technique reveals hidden bloodstains
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister called it a heinous crime because Limon’s roommate, defendant Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, planned the murders, executed them and then wiped out all traces.Limon’s body was found stuffed in a garbage bag on the shoulder of the Howard Frankland Bridge. Bristi’s remains were found in a trash bag in Tampa Bay, and a kayaker reported smelling an unspeakable odor and found human remains inside an open plastic bag.The two, who were believed to be in a relationship, disappeared on April 17. Their friends and family said this was unusual because they were both responsible.Detectives visited the apartment Limon shared with Abuhabi and a third roommate. The sheriff revealed that while one roommate was fully cooperative, Abuhabi gave evasive and contradictory answers. Investigators found a laceration on his left pinky finger and a deep cut on the back of his left arm that should have required stitches — wounds he couldn’t explain and which detectives believe were defensive injuries, the sheriff said.A cooperative roommate later told investigators that on April 16 and 17, Abuhabiya used a large cart to move items from his room to a trash compactor. Acting on this tip, detectives searched the compactor and found Limon’s glasses, student ID card, wallet and clothing – all soaked in blood.The sheriff said this was the first time investigators sidestepped all other theories, such as the two running away to get married, and realized they were not just two missing people, but two missing people in danger.Chronister said medical examiners used Blue Star technology to discover the outline of a human body curled up in a fetal position on the floor behind Abu Habiye’s bed, with blood stains in it. Blood was also found in his car.
“Can the neighbors hear the gunfire?”
Abuhabi deleted his phone’s search history, but forensic examination revealed that in the days before his disappearance, Abuhabi searched for phrases such as “Can a knife pierce a skull?” and “Can the neighbors hear the gunshots?” He also ordered heavy-duty black contractor bags, Lysol wipes, duct tape, lighter fluid and lighters, some through Amazon and some through DoorDash. “This was very well thought out. That’s why this was so premeditated,” Chronister said.A motive for the killing has not yet been determined, and the defendant did not react after his arrest.
