Court docs link Ole Miss student’s death to Oxford vape shop raid
Newly released court documents confirm that University of Mississippi freshman Aidan Hamilton purchased 'Smax' Pseudo-DHM tablets from Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford on September 9 and 14, shortly before his death. A search warrant executed at the store on Thursday led to the arrest of Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, who were charged with possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute. While the coroner believes the deaths of Hamilton and fellow student Robert Strang are consistent with drug overdoses, official causes remain pending toxicology results. Strang, a 20-year-old junior, was found dead with a similar packet of Smax, which he purchased from a different store in Yalobusha County. The Oxford Police Department maintains there is no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths, though both involved the same substance. Hamilton’s funeral is scheduled for October 2 in Colorado, while Strang’s family has requested privacy.
Key points
- Records show Aidan Hamilton made two purchases of 'Smax' Pseudo-DHM at Puffs Vape in Oxford on Sept. 9 and 14.
- Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Mohamed were arrested at the store and charged with intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Robert Strang was found dead with a similar packet of Smax, purchased from an Express Mart in Yalobusha County.
- Coroners believe both deaths are consistent with drug overdoses, but official causes await toxicology reports.
- Hamilton’s funeral is set for Oct. 2; Strang’s family has not announced arrangements and requested privacy.
Background
This development follows the deaths of two University of Mississippi students on Monday, which triggered a campus-wide investigation into illicit drug use. Earlier reports indicated that over 500 units of kratom were seized from an Oxford vape shop, but authorities had not explicitly linked the raid to the students' deaths. The new documents provide the first direct connection between Hamilton’s purchases and the raided location. The deaths have prompted increased security measures and counseling services on the Ole Miss campus.
How outlets are covering it
WMC Action News 5 and the New York Post emphasize the direct link between Hamilton’s purchases and the raided store, citing court documents that show the undercover buy led to the arrests. WTVA focuses on the human impact, detailing Hamilton’s funeral arrangements and the Strang family’s request for privacy. While WMC and NY Post highlight the specific 'Smax' tablets found at both scenes, WTVA notes that Oxford Police have not confirmed a connection between the two deaths. NY Post additionally reports that a clerk at the store warned undercover officers that 'people were dying' from the pills, a detail not mentioned in the other sources.
Why it matters
The release of these documents shifts the investigation from a general campus safety concern to a specific criminal case involving the sale of banned substances. The explicit link between a student’s purchase and a raided store raises questions about the regulation of kratom and synthetic derivatives in Mississippi, where sales have been banned since 2019. The pending toxicology results will determine if these substances were the direct cause of the deaths, potentially leading to further legal actions against the store owners and distributors.
What to watch
Toxicology results are expected within two weeks, which will determine the official cause of death for both Hamilton and Strang. The arrested men, Mosleh and Mohamed, will face court proceedings for their charges. Hamilton’s funeral will take place on October 2, while Strang’s family has not announced plans. The investigation may expand to other stores in the area if the toxicology results confirm the role of Smax Pseudo-DHM in the deaths.
- Raided Oxford store was where Ole Miss student purchased kratom before death, records show Action News 5
- Funeral arrangements set for Ole Miss student Aidan Hamilton WTVA
- Tragic Ole Miss student bought Smax Pseudo-DHM kratom from raided store: court docs New York Post
- Court documents detail hours before Ole Miss students’ suspected overdose deaths Action News 5
- 2 charged, kratom seized at Oxford, MS store WREG.com
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