Florida AG Expands Probe into ChatGPT’s Alleged Role in USF Student Murders

Florida’s top law enforcement official announced Monday that his office is launching a criminal investigation into OpenAI, citing the alleged role of its ChatGPT tool in the killings of two University of South Florida students.

The development follows a broader debate over corporate accountability in AI misuse. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed the probe this month, which now includes the USF case after an initial civil inquiry into OpenAI’s involvement in a separate 2023 Florida State University mass shooting.

AI regulation will also be a key topic during a special legislative session set to begin Tuesday.

OpenAI Faces Scrutiny Over ChatGPT’s Alleged Role in Murders

OpenAI has not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation. However, the company stated in a prior statement that it would cooperate with authorities following Uthmeier’s initial civil probe.

Victims Identified, Suspect Charged Without Bail

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, a former USF student, is accused of murdering his roommate, Zamil Limon, 27, and Limon’s friend, Nahida Bristy, 27—both doctoral students from Bangladesh. The victims were last seen on April 16.

Abugharbieh remains held without bail in the Hillsborough County jail, facing two counts of first-degree murder and additional charges. Investigators located Limon’s remains on Friday in trash bags discarded on the Howard Frankland Bridge. A second body was recovered Sunday near Interstate 275 and Fourth Street North, though authorities had not released identification details as of Monday afternoon.

ChatGPT Logs Raise Questions About AI’s Involvement

Court records reveal that Abugharbieh allegedly used ChatGPT to research methods of disposal and evasion prior to the killings. On April 13—three days before the students vanished—he asked the chatbot: “What happens if a person is put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster?”

Over the following days, prosecutors allege, he returned to ChatGPT with additional queries, including:

• “Will Apple know who is the new iPhone user after the previous user?” (April 19)
• “What does missing endangered adult mean?” (April 20)

These interactions occurred as law enforcement publicly warned about the endangered students.

Attorney General: ‘If ChatGPT Were a Person, It Would Face Murder Charges’

“We are expanding our criminal investigation into OpenAI to include the USF murders after learning the primary suspect used ChatGPT,” Uthmeier posted Monday on X.

In a prior statement, Uthmeier emphasized the gravity of the allegations: “If ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder.”

The expanded probe follows Uthmeier’s review of chatbot logs linked to the accused Florida State shooter, which initially prompted the civil inquiry.

Next Steps: Court Hearing Scheduled for Tuesday

Abugharbieh is set to appear before a judge for a status conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday.