Florida grad student murders allegedly planned, suspect used AI chatbot before and after killings

Authorities say Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both Bangladeshi doctoral students, were last seen alive on April 16.

(NBC)- Prosecutors say the murders of two graduate students in Tampa were premeditated—and allege the suspect used an AI chatbot before and after the victims disappeared.

Authorities say Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both Bangladeshi doctoral students, were last seen alive on April 16. According to court filings, the suspect—identified as Hisham Abugharbieh—allegedly asked OpenAI’s chatbot about disposing of a body days before the students vanished.

Prosecutors say the suspect asked about putting someone in a trash bag and discarding them in a dumpster. The chatbot reportedly responded that the scenario sounded dangerous, prompting the suspect to ask how authorities would find out. After the victims disappeared, investigators say the suspect sent additional messages to the chatbot, including questions about surviving a gunshot wound to the head.

Florida’s Attorney General has now launched an investigation into OpenAI in connection with the case. The company says it is reviewing the situation and will cooperate with law enforcement.

“The company is looking into these reports and will do whatever we can to support law enforcement,” a spokesperson said.

The case sparked a frantic search for the missing students, with family members expressing concern before it was officially classified as a homicide investigation.

“This is definitely concerning, and my family is devastated,” Bristy’s brother said.

Authorities say one victim’s body has been recovered, and efforts are underway to identify another body found in the area.

Following a dramatic standoff with police, the suspect is now in custody and faces multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated murder.

The investigation remains ongoing.