How did Zamil Limon die? Cause of death revealed for Florida Doctoral student as authorities search for his girlfriend

Fresh updates have emerged in the death of 27-year-old Zamil Limon, where authorities in Florida have released the cause of death for the 27-year-old whose disappearance earlier in April 2026 prompted a days-long search effort.

Limon, along with his girlfriend and fellow doctoral student Nahida Bristy, also 27, was reported missing on April 17, 2026, from Tampa, Florida. The remains of Limon were found on the Howard Frankland bridge Friday morning (April 24, 2026), but Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said later that day that they were still searching for Limon's girlfriend, Nahida Bristy.

On Sunday, the sheriff’s office announced that a body had been found in a waterway near the bridge but had not been identified. Limon's roommate Hisham Abugharbieh was arrested on the same day (Friday) when Limon’s body was discovered, according to police. He has since been charged with two counts of murder.


Abugharbieh was charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the first degree with a weapon in the deaths of Limon and Bristy, the sheriff’s office announced Saturday (April 25, 2026).

The former USF student was ordered held without bond, as reported by news agency AP. A hearing is set for Tuesday (April 28, 2026).

Zamil Limon: Cause of Death

An autopsy by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Limon’s death a homicide, caused by “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to a criminal report affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. His body was found with his wrists and ankles bound, the autopsy revealed.

Bristy Limon's girlfriend was not found at the time the report was filed. On Sunday evening, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced they found remains on the interstate where the Howard Frankland Bridge is located. The remains were sent to the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.