Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday his office is expanding a criminal investigation into OpenAI after learning the primary suspect in the killings of two University of South Florida students allegedly used ChatGPT. Uthmeier said, "We are expanding our criminal investigation into OpenAI to include the USF murders after learning the primary suspect used ChatGPT." [1]
The suspect is Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, a former USF student who is being held without bail on two counts of first-degree murder and other charges. The victims were identified as Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27-year-old doctoral students from Bangladesh. [1]
According to the timeline cited in the case, Abugharbieh allegedly asked ChatGPT on April 13 what happens if a person is put in a black garbage bag and thrown in a dumpster. He allegedly asked on April 19 about whether Apple could know who a new iPhone user is after the previous user. On Thursday evening, he allegedly asked what "missing endangered adult" means, around the time deputies said they believed the missing students were in danger. [1]
Authorities found Limon's remains on Friday in several trash bags thrown out on the Howard Frankland Bridge. They found a second body on Sunday afternoon in the waters near Interstate 275 and Fourth Street North. [1]
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri said the company was looking into the reports and would support law enforcement. "This is a terrible crime, and our thoughts are with everyone affected," Pusateri said. "We're looking into these reports and will do whatever we can to support law enforcement in their investigation." [1]
The case comes as Florida lawmakers were set to take up AI regulation in a special session starting Tuesday. Uthmeier's office said it will continue its review as the state debates how far companies should be held responsible for the use of their tools. [1]