Families say complaints made to off-campus housing company were ignored before USF murders

Key Points:

• Hisham Abugharbieh is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of University of South Florida doctoral students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, with court documents revealing a history of violence and recent troubling incidents involving his family.
• Prior complaints about Abugharbieh's behavior were made to the Avalon Heights apartment management just weeks before the murders, with reports highlighting his severe anger issues and past violence toward family members.
• The victims’ families criticized Avalon Heights for inadequate safety measures, lack of background checks on roommates, insufficient security, and failure to act decisively despite prior complaints.
• Abugharbieh waived his right to a bond hearing and remains in custody; upcoming court discussions will determine the next steps, while investigators continue building their case and seek public assistance regarding suspicious activity near the Howard Frankland Bridge.
• Authorities believe evidence related to the murders, including the victims' bodies, was disposed of near the Howard Frankland Bridge in the early hours of April 17 and are urging anyone with information or footage to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.