A newly released incident report describes how a USF murder suspect’s delusional episodes and aggression worsened after cannabis use, following an earlier arrest under Florida’s Baker Act.
ORLANDO, Fla.. — A newly released incident report sheds light on the suspect accused in the killings of two University of South Florida doctoral students. describing conduct that. family members say. deteriorated over time and included delusional statements before his later arrest on more serious charges.
The suspect, Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is now facing two counts of first-degree murder tied to the deaths of two USF students. Prosecutors have charged him after the remains of his roommate, Zamil Limon, were discovered last week following the students’ disappearance in mid-April.
According to the incident report made public Wednesday by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Abugharbieh’s behavior in May 2023 had already raised serious concern for his mental state.. Family members told deputies that the change they witnessed was linked to cannabis use.. The report describes him as delusional at the time of an earlier arrest. when he was taken in under Florida’s Baker Act—an emergency mechanism that allows for involuntary mental health observation for up to 72 hours.
In that earlier encounter, Abugharbieh was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge involving his family.. The report states that during the incident he made alarming statements to deputies. including claims that he was the “son of Mary” and that he had “created” his brother. describing himself as his brother’s “god.” Relatives also described a shift in his personality and behavior. saying he had become increasingly angry and mentally unwell.
One victim impact statement submitted by a relative after the May 2023 arrest described Abugharbieh as a “cool guy” before cannabis use began—particularly medical marijuana. according to the statement.. The relative said the change contributed to anger problems and hurtful behavior that strained family life. adding that the family felt it “lost” him as it knew him.. The statement also reflects an unusual posture at the time: relatives did not want him prosecuted. but asked for treatment for substance use and related mental health issues.
The incident report says Abugharbieh entered a diversion program for first-time offenders. and his account to deputies at that time emphasized self-defense—stating that he acted because his brother was threatening him.. The contrast between that earlier explanation and the later charges underscores how quickly a case can evolve when mental health concerns. substance use. and family conflict intersect.
The investigation surrounding the USF killings has been unfolding with careful limits on what is publicly confirmed.. After Limon’s remains were found in a trash bag on the Howard Frankland bridge. authorities later announced that a body was recovered from a waterway near the bridge area.. However. the local medical examiner’s office has not publicly confirmed that identification to Limon’s girlfriend. Nahida Bristy. who is mentioned in court-adjacent updates.
Abugharbieh is accused in connection with the disappearances that began April 16.. Limon was last seen at the off-campus apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbieh.. Bristy, who lived on campus in a science building, was also reported missing.. Both were pursuing advanced degrees—Limon in geography, environmental science, and policy; Bristy in chemical engineering.
For families and campus communities. the new details carry a blunt message: earlier warnings do not always translate into timely. lasting intervention.. Florida’s Baker Act is designed for immediate safety and observation. but it does not eliminate the need for follow-up treatment. monitoring. and sustained support after a crisis.. When substance use is involved. the challenge often becomes not just identifying symptoms. but ensuring that help continues after the emergency window closes.
The case also raises questions about how diversion programs and mental health responses work in practice.. Diversion can offer a path away from prosecution for some first-time offenses. but the record described in Abugharbieh’s 2023 incident points to delusional thinking and family violence—conditions that many readers will recognize as signals requiring comprehensive evaluation.. The legal system and the mental health system often operate on different timelines. and the gap between them can be stark.
As Abugharbieh remains held without bond on the murder charges. the public may look for answers that bridge the time between a misdemeanor battery incident and a double homicide accusation.. Misryoum readers are likely to focus on the same uncomfortable questions: what changed. what treatment was pursued. and what safeguards might have been strengthened.. In the absence of those specifics. the incident report at least provides a window into the severity of behavior authorities and families were already grappling with before the USF deaths.