Abugharbieh, 26, was taken into custody in Tampa after police responded to a domestic violence call at a residence involving him. He initially locked himself in his home and then turned himself in to a SWAT team after a confrontation, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Abuhabiya was the roommate of Zamil Limon, one of two students reported missing earlier this month, along with Nahida Bristy, both 27, from Bangladesh. Limon’s body was later found on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa Bay, while Bristi remains missing.
Law enforcement officials said Abuhabiya has been charged with preliminary charges including domestic violence battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death and unlawful removal or disposal of a body.
Investigators said the case began to unfold after a family friend reported two students missing after they could not be contacted. Limon and Bristi were last seen April 16 at various locations near the USF campus.
Deputies then focused their attention on Abu Habiyah after tracing links to the missing students. He was not a USF student but had been living with Limon in an off-campus apartment, police said.
Authorities have not confirmed a motive. They also said the investigation expanded to multiple jurisdictions, with detectives searching the area around Tampa and nearby counties. Law enforcement agencies describe the case as complex and ongoing.
In making the arrest, police said they had to activate specialized units, including special police, after Abouhabiya refused initial orders to leave his home. He was eventually taken into custody.
The case remains open, with multiple charges still in the preliminary stages, and further forensic results are expected as authorities continue to piece together what happened in the days leading up to the students’ disappearance.
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