Two University of Mississippi students were found dead near packages labeled as synthetic kratom products that listed an ingredient recently placed in Schedule I by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were discovered on Sept. 21 in separate locations near the university’s Oxford, Mississippi, campus. Toxicology and laboratory results were pending, and court documents did not establish that the products caused either death. A former federal prosecutor said sellers and others in the supply chain could face liability if the products contained the newly restricted substance and prosecutors could prove intent.
| 1) | What investigators found at the two death scenes |
|---|---|
| 2) | The products and ingredient identified in court records |
| 3) | Separate sales investigations and unanswered questions |
| 4) | Potential legal exposure for sellers and distributors |
| 5) | What investigators are waiting to learn |
What investigators found at the two death scenes
Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang were found dead on Sept. 21 in separate incidents in and around Oxford. Hamilton was found near packages of tablets, while Strang was discovered at his home near campus. An affidavit said Hamilton may have died from pulmonary edema, a finding that can be consistent with an overdose, while first responders found Strang cold to the touch. The documents did not determine the cause of either death.
Packages bearing the Modus name were reported near both students. Authorities had not established that the products were connected or that the tablets caused the deaths. The circumstances remained under investigation as officials awaited forensic evidence.
The products and ingredient identified in court records
The affidavit described tablets labeled Smax Pseudo-DHM and identified pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15(DHM) among the listed ingredients on packaging found near Hamilton. Packaging found near Strang also included Smax Pseudo-DHM and Smax Pseudo tablets. Investigators said a Mississippi law enforcement agent believed the reference to pseudoindoxyl meant mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, but laboratory confirmation was pending.
The DEA temporarily placed mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in Schedule I on Aug. 26, making its sale prohibited under federal law. The former prosecutor emphasized that naturally occurring kratom and synthetic kratom-derived chemicals are not equivalent substances. The company named on the packaging describes its products as botanical supplements, but the Smax Pseudo tablets were not listed on its website at the time of the report.
Separate sales investigations and unanswered questions
Hamilton made multiple purchases at an Oxford store in September, including at least one transaction the day before he was found dead. Store employees Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Each received a $100,000 bond.
Officials said they did not believe the arrests were connected to Hamilton’s death, and court documents did not show that the products found near him came from that store. Strang’s product was reportedly purchased at a gas station about 30 minutes from Oxford. The station owner said the tablets found near Strang did not come from his business, although he acknowledged selling Smax Pseudo tablets and said federal agents seized his kratom inventory.
Potential legal exposure for sellers and distributors
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani said the federal scheduling action could expose manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and other participants in the distribution chain to criminal liability if they sold products containing the substance after the change took effect.
“It would be unlawful for anyone, whether it’s a drug dealer or a gas station convenience store owner, to sell MGM-15 after it was categorized as Schedule I.”
Rahmani also said prosecution would require the Department of Justice to prove intent. He said the company associated with the packaging could face civil product-liability claims and potentially criminal consequences if testing showed that its products contained a Schedule I substance. No finding of liability had been made against the company or any retailer in connection with the student deaths.
What investigators are waiting to learn
Toxicology results could help determine whether Hamilton or Strang had the chemicals in their systems and whether those substances contributed to their deaths. Separate laboratory testing was also expected to establish whether the tablets contained mitragynine pseudoindoxyl or a related compound listed on the packaging.
Investigators must also trace where the products were purchased and distributed. The available court records identified nearby packages and reported purchases but did not establish a complete supply chain. Authorities sought information from federal and state agencies, local narcotics investigators, the businesses involved and the manufacturer associated with the Modus name.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two Ole Miss students were found dead near packages labeled as synthetic kratom products. |
| 2 | Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl was placed temporarily in Schedule I on Aug. 26. |
| 3 | Laboratory and toxicology results were pending. |
| 4 | Former prosecutor Neama Rahmani said intent would be important in any federal prosecution. |
| 5 | Records did not establish that the products caused either death or came from the arrested store. |
Summary
The deaths of two Ole Miss students drew attention to synthetic kratom products carrying labels that list an ingredient recently placed in Schedule I. However, available records did not establish the products’ role in either death, and key toxicology and laboratory findings remained outstanding. The legal status of sellers and distributors will depend on the products’ confirmed contents, the timing of sales and evidence of intent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the two students?
Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found dead in separate locations near the University of Mississippi campus on Sept. 21.
What substance was listed on the packages?
The packaging listed pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15(DHM). Investigators believed pseudoindoxyl referred to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, but laboratory confirmation was pending.
Is anyone being prosecuted for the deaths?
Available records did not establish that the products caused the deaths. Two store employees were arrested on a controlled-substance distribution charge, but officials said those arrests were not believed to be connected to Hamilton’s death.
Why could sellers face legal consequences?
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl was temporarily placed in Schedule I by the DEA. A former federal prosecutor said prosecutors would still need to prove the relevant elements, including intent, in any criminal case.
