(NewsNation) — The man accused of killing two University of South Florida graduate students had previously completed a diversion program instead of being convicted on misdemeanor charges, a factor that former state attorney Dave Aronberg said likely would not have prevented the killings.

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of first‑degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. Investigators confirmed Friday that both victims’ bodies have been located and identified.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Abugharbieh had several prior arrests, per The Associated Press.

Abugharbieh faced misdemeanor charges in 2023

He was charged in May 2023 with misdemeanor battery, and again in September 2023 with misdemeanor battery and burglary. Court records show Abugharbieh completed a diversion program in 2024, after which the charges were dropped.

Aronberg, a former Florida state attorney, told NewsNation that placement in diversion is common for first‑time offenders accused of low‑level misdemeanors.

He added that even if Abugharbieh had been convicted, he likely would not have served significant jail time and would have been released before the alleged murders.

“It would not have probably had an effect on this horrific tragedy,” Aronberg said.

Diversion programs vary by state and county, but are generally used as an alternative to traditional sentencing and sometimes include treatment opportunities, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Court records also show two domestic violence injunction petitions were filed against Abugharbieh by a family member in 2023. A judge granted one injunction and denied the other. Records also list multiple traffic-related offenses.

Report details Abugharbieh’s worsening behavior in 2023 before 2 USF students’ killings

Incident reports show Abugharbieh’s behavior escalated in 2023, according to statements from family members provided to deputies following his arrest for punching his brother and kicking his mother.

Abugharbieh was delusional at the time, stating “I am son of Mary” and “I created my brother. I am his god.”

He was taken to jail under the Baker Act, a Florida law that allows for involuntary, emergency mental health observation for 72 hours, according to an incident report made public Wednesday about the May 2023 misdemeanor battery arrest from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“HIsham used to be a cool guy, a supportive and helpful eldest son, until he started smoking cannabis, especially medical marijuana,” a relative whose name was redacted wrote in a victim impact statement more than a week after Abugharbieh’s May 2023 arrest. “It turned him mentally ill, with hurtful behavior and anger problems which is affecting the family life. We lost Hisham as a normal family member.”

At the time, Abugharbieh told deputies that he was acting in self-defense because his brother was threatening him.

Abugharbieh’s relatives didn’t want him to face prosecution but asked that he receive substance abuse treatment.

Could Abugharbieh face death penalty for USF students’ killings?

Detectives said they recovered evidence from Abugharbieh’s residence, including blood traces in the kitchen and bedroom. Investigators also found internet searches linked to concealing violent crimes and described the killings as “calculated.”

Authorities said the investigation uncovered attempts to destroy evidence, including wiping phone data and vehicle GPS records.

Aronberg said factors disclosed by investigators could qualify as statutory aggravators under Florida law.

“You have to be able to show that the killing was, for example, cold, calculated and premeditated,” he said.

Aronberg noted Florida has one of the lowest thresholds for seeking the death penalty, requiring at least eight of 12 jurors to recommend it, rather than a unanimous verdict.