Toxicology Links Two Ole Miss Deaths to Same Synthetic Kratom Pills

Key points

• Toxicology reports show both victims had Mitrogynine, MGM-15, and MGPI in their systems.
• The substances are found in Smax Mango Breeze pills, which were seized from Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store.
• Yahya Mosleh remains in custody as a flight risk, while his son Islam faces a $20,000 bond.
• Bank records show both students purchased products at the store on September 20, the day before their deaths.
• The store owner, Amer Alowdi, is a fugitive believed to be operating the business remotely from Egypt.

Background

In early October, federal charges were filed against Yahya and Islam Mosleh, who worked at an Oxford vape shop. Investigators linked the shop to the September 21 deaths of two students, though toxicology results were pending at the time of the initial charges.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes the identical toxicology results linking the victims to the specific pills found at the store. WMC and Action News 5 highlight the defense attorney's claim that one student died from a cough syrup mix while the other died from inhalation asphyxiation. WAPT notes that while Hamilton bought from the Oxford store, Strang purchased from a different location in Yalobusha County, though both had the same substances in their blood.

Why it matters

The case highlights the dangers of synthetic kratom products sold in local retail spaces and the potential for remote management of illegal drug distribution networks. It also raises questions about the regulation of vape shops and the sale of unregulated substances near university campuses.

What to watch

The full toxicology report is expected to be released publicly. Yahya Mosleh will remain in custody pending trial, while Islam Mosleh will be released on bond with strict conditions. Prosecutors will continue to build their case against the defendants and the fugitive store owner.