Florida Murder Suspect Allegedly Consulted ChatGPT on Disposing Bodies

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A 26-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of two missing University of South Florida graduate students. Hisham Abugharbieh, a former student at the university, faces charges for the murders of his roommate Zamil Limon and Limon’s girlfriend Nahida Bristy, both 27.

Limon and Bristy were reported missing on April 16. Authorities later discovered that Limon’s body was found under a bridge in Tampa Bay on April 24, while additional remains were recovered from the waterway two days later. Abugharbieh was arrested after deputies responded to his residence for an unrelated domestic matter. During the arrest, he barricaded himself inside the property before being taken into custody approximately one and a half hours later.

Investigators allege that Abugharbieh sought advice from ChatGPT on April 13 about disposing of a body in a black garbage bag and a dumpster. Court documents reveal he asked, “What happens if a human is put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster?” ChatGPT responded by cautioning against such actions, to which Abugharbieh allegedly replied, “How would they find out.”

The suspect also reportedly inquired about changing a car’s VIN number, obtaining a firearm without a license, and purchasing items like duct tape, trash bags, fire starter, lighter fluid, and charcoal. These purchases were made prior to the victims’ disappearance. Both Limon and Bristy were studying at USF; Limon was pursuing a degree in environmental science, while Bristy focused on chemical engineering. Their families have requested that their remains be handled according to Islamic traditions.

Abugharbieh is currently held without bond and faces multiple charges, including unlawful handling of a dead body, evidence tampering, and battery. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 28. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to piece together the details of this tragic case.