2 Ole Miss Student Deaths Under Investigation as Oxford Drug Raid Leads to Arrests

Toxicology reports could provide answers as soon as next week in the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, as investigators continue working to determine what happened to the young men.

The students were identified as Robert Strang, a 20-year-old junior from Atlanta, and Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman from Colorado, according to Fox News.

Their families have asked for privacy and compassion as they mourn their sons.

The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain unclear. Narcotics detectives are involved in the investigations, and Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said authorities have not ruled out foul play.

"Until the autopsy is reported, and the investigators have an opportunity to get statements and collect evidence, then that final determination will not be made until later," Tindell told Fox News Digital.

If toxicology testing identifies fentanyl, investigators could use a Mississippi law known as Parker's Law.

Enacted in 2022, the law allows criminal charges to be pursued when an unlawful delivery of fentanyl results in someone's death.

"Under Parker’s Law, enacted in 2022, criminal charges may be pursued when an unlawful delivery of fentanyl results in a person’s death," Tindell said. He added that authorities would work with prosecutors if an investigation establishes those circumstances.

Meanwhile, Oxford police announced arrests stemming from a separate narcotics investigation at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store on Heritage Drive. Authorities said the investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 500 units of kratom, along with THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics.

Police arrested Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, both Oxford residents.

The possession, distribution and sale of kratom have been prohibited in Oxford since 2019 and are also prohibited in Lafayette County.

It was not immediately clear whether the tobacco shop investigation is connected to the deaths of Strang and Hamilton. Authorities have also not determined whether kratom or another substance played a role in either death.

Tindell said Gov. Tate Reeves has made state resources available to help speed up the toxicology process. While such testing can take weeks, officials expect results in the Ole Miss cases potentially within days.

Watch the video below: