Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
The man accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students allegedly asked ChatGPT about hiding a body just days before their disappearance, according to a recent court filing. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, who were close friends from Bangladesh pursuing advanced degrees at the university.
According to prosecutors, Abugharbieh used the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT on Saturday (April 13), three days before the students were last seen, to ask, "What happens if a human has a put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster?" The chat platform responded that it sounded dangerous. Abugharbieh then reportedly sent another message: "How would they find out?" as detailed in the court motion seeking to keep him jailed while awaiting trial.
Authorities found Limon’s body on Friday (April 25) in black trash bags under the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa, Florida. He had suffered multiple stab wounds, and the medical examiner determined the cause of death was homicide. Bristy’s remains were discovered Sunday (April 27) in north St. Petersburg, but had yet to be officially identified at the time of reporting.
Investigators said Abugharbieh was seen moving boxes to a dumpster at the apartment complex he shared with Limon. Inside the dumpster, detectives found Limon’s student ID, credit cards, and wallet, as well as Bristy’s pink phone case and other personal items. DNA testing on clothing and a kitchen mat recovered from the area matched both victims. Blood evidence was also found throughout the shared apartment.
Authorities said Abugharbieh bought trash bags, disinfecting wipes, and air freshener late on April 16, after the last known sightings of Limon and Bristy. Surveillance and cellphone records placed him driving across Tampa Bay bridges in the hours after the disappearances, matching the movement of Limon’s cell phone.
Abugharbieh initially told investigators he had last seen Limon and Bristy when he gave them a ride to Clearwater, but later changed his story when confronted with location data. He was arrested Friday (April 25) after a brief standoff and is being held without bond at the Falkenburg Road Jail. Along with murder charges, he faces counts of battery, false imprisonment, failure to report a death, and tampering with evidence.
A hearing is scheduled for April 29. The motive for the killings has not been released. The University of South Florida expressed condolences and said it is committed to the safety and well-being of its students. Family members of the victims have requested the bodies be handled in accordance with Islamic rituals and hope for a memorial in their names.