Human remains found near Howard Frankland Bridge in Pinellas County

Sheriff’s Offices in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have recovered human remains from waterways near Interstate 275 and 4th Street North, near the Howard Frankland Bridge, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The remains, which have not yet been identified, are currently in the possession of the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The discovered body comes as law enforcement is continuing its search for Nahida Bristy, a University of South Florida doctoral student who went missing along with fellow graduate student and friend Zamil Limon on April 16. Limon’s body has been found. Bristy’s had not, though she is presumed dead.

A suspect, Hisham Abugharbieh, is in custody on two counts of first-degree murder for both USF students.

The area where human remains were found was in the same vicinity where divers were searching for Bristy’s body, the Tampa Bay Times reported Sunday night.

Among those at the recovery scene were Hillsborough and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies, St. Petersburg police officers, forensic investigators, and Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez. The Times reported that law enforcement officials were seen Sunday evening loading something into a medical examiner’s office van.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigator in the Bristy and Limon murders.

While remains have not yet been identified, they were found around the same time USF President Moez Limayem sent a message to USF alumni and parents expressing grief and assuaging concerns regarding the murders.

“The last few days have tested our USF community in ways none of us ever want to experience. We are grieving the tragic loss of two of our students in a crime that has shaken us all,” Limayem wrote.

But he also assured there are no ongoing threats to students or faculty on USF campuses.

“The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and USF Police Department (USFPD) have confirmed that these incidents occurred off campus, that the suspect in custody acted alone, and that there is no ongoing threat to our university community,” he said.

Still, Limayem said he understood many remain concerned, and said in-person counseling services are available on campus, and students have access to TimelyCare at all times. Services for faculty can be accessed through the Employee Assistance Program, and the school is increasing university leadership presence on campus and providing “trained professionals across campus to ensure that those who need support can receive it quickly.”