Court Filing Alleges Florida Murder Suspect Asked ChatGPT About Disposing of Body
A 26-year-old man accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students allegedly asked ChatGPT about disposing of a human body in a dumpster days before the victims went missing, according to court filings.
Hisham Abugharbieh is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27. Prosecutors say Limon, whose body was later found, was Abugharbieh’s roommate and a former student at the university.
In a motion filed by prosecutors, investigators allege that on April 13, Abugharbieh asked ChatGPT what would happen if a human body was placed in a black garbage bag and thrown into a dumpster. When the chatbot reportedly warned the scenario sounded dangerous, he allegedly followed up by asking, “How would they find out.”
The court filing does not indicate any response from ChatGPT beyond those claims. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Prosecutors further allege that Abugharbieh was seen disposing of cardboard boxes at a dumpster at his apartment complex days later. Items belonging to Limon, including a student ID and credit cards, were reportedly recovered from the site.
According to the filing, forensic testing found DNA evidence linking Limon and Bristy to items recovered from the dumpster and apartment. Investigators also reported finding a bloodied T-shirt and other materials connected to the victims.
Authorities say Limon’s remains were later discovered in a heavy-duty trash bag with signs of decomposition. His death was ruled a homicide caused by multiple sharp force injuries.
Search efforts also uncovered human remains believed to be linked to Bristy, though identification is still pending.
Investigators allege Abugharbieh attempted to mislead authorities, initially claiming he had dropped the victims off before later changing his statement when confronted with location data. Prosecutors also claim he purchased cleaning supplies and disposed of personal belongings belonging to the victims.
He was arrested after a standoff and is now being held without bond. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, battery, false imprisonment, and tampering with evidence.
The University of South Florida said it is mourning the deaths of the two students and reaffirmed its commitment to campus safety.
The case remains under active investigation, with a court hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
