Florida AG expands probe into OpenAI over killings of Bangladeshi PhD students
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has expanded a criminal investigation into OpenAI after court records revealed that the suspect in the alleged murders of two University of South Florida (USF) doctoral students used ChatGPT to seek advice on disposing of a body.
The accused, Hisham Abugharbieh, faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder.
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Attorney General Uthmeier announced on Monday that the probe now includes the murders of USF students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both Bangladeshi nationals.
According to court documents, the suspect allegedly used ChatGPT to ask about body disposal, firearms, and tracking methods in the days before the victims went missing. The development follows an earlier probe into ChatGPT’s alleged role in a previous mass shooting, raising broader questions about the accountability of artificial intelligence in criminal activities.
Relatives of Limon and Bristy have demanded the harshest possible punishment for Abugharbieh and any accomplices. They have also called for legal action against Avalon Heights, the off-campus housing complex where the suspect lived, alleging security failures.
They accused the property of lacking adequate CCTV coverage and failing to conduct background checks before accommodating the suspect.
Limon and Bristy, both 27-year-old doctoral students, were last seen on April 16.
Limon’s remains were later found in black trash bags on the Howard Frankland Bridge, reportedly matching bags recovered from Abugharbieh’s room. Bristy remains missing, although unidentified remains have been recovered.
Abugharbieh was arrested following a domestic disturbance call. Evidence cited in court filings includes bloodstains and the alleged ChatGPT queries.
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri expressed condolences and said the company would cooperate with law enforcement.
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