Limon-Bristy murder: Family had warned police about Hisham earlier

The family of Hisham Abugharbieh, the accused in the killing of two Bangladeshi PhD students Zamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Bristy at the University of South Florida, had previously warned police about his erratic and aggressive behaviour, his younger brother has said.

In an interview with CBS News, Ahmad Abugharbieh, 22, said his brother was extremely hot-tempered and it was unsafe for anyone to be his roommate. The family had even advised him to live separately.

According to court documents and local sources, Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of premeditated murder. The bodies of the victims were recovered from an area adjacent to the Howard Frankland Bridge in the Tampa Bay area.

A roommate of Hisham's told investigators that he had been seen suspiciously discarding items in the days leading up to the incident. Phone records also placed Hisham near the area at the relevant time.

The family said a petition for a protection order had been filed against Hisham in 2023 alleging violent conduct, but the case could not be pursued due to financial constraints and other reasons.

Ahmad Abugharbieh said the family had warned police earlier but never imagined the situation would take such a horrific turn.

Expressing sorrow for the victims' families, he said they were deeply ashamed and remorseful.

Investigators said efforts to determine the full cause of the incident are ongoing, and the case is currently sub judice.