Ole Miss Student Deaths: Toxicology Reports Expected Soon, Potential for Anti-Fentanyl Law Prosecution
Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports in the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, with the results potentially triggering Mississippi's anti-fentanyl law.
Toxicology reports concerning the suspicious deaths of two University of Mississippi students are anticipated as early as next week, according to Mississippi's commissioner of public safety. The victims have been identified as Robert Strang, a 20-year-old junior from Atlanta, and Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman from Colorado. Their families have requested privacy during their mourning.
The circumstances surrounding the students' deaths remain unclear, but narcotics detectives are involved in the investigation of both cases. If the toxicology reports detect fentanyl, authorities stated that a specific Mississippi law, known as Parker's Law, could be applied. Enacted in 2022, this law allows for criminal charges to be pursued if the unlawful delivery of fentanyl results in a person's death.
"If the investigation establishes those circumstances, law enforcement will work with prosecutors to pursue the appropriate charges and hold those responsible accountable," Sean Tindell, commissioner of Mississippi's Department of Public Safety, told Fox News Digital. While authorities have not yet found evidence of foul play, it has not been ruled out.
Packages of kratom, a substance legal in many areas but prohibited in Lafayette County, were reportedly found at both scenes. Investigators are awaiting the autopsy and toxicology results to determine if kratom or other substances were involved in the deaths.
In a separate but potentially related development, Oxford police have arrested two men in connection with a narcotics investigation involving a local tobacco shop. Police stated that during a search of the Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, they discovered over 500 units of kratom, along with THC cartridges, gummies, and other suspected narcotics. Kratom has been banned in Oxford since 2019. The arrested individuals were identified as Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, both local residents.
Records indicate that the business owner, Amer Alowdi, 40, was previously indicted on narcotics trafficking charges in 2022 but reportedly fled the country before prosecution. It is unclear how the business continued to operate.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has pledged state resources to expedite the toxicology reports, which typically take several weeks to complete. The expedited timeline in this case could mean results are available within days.