Oxford Store Owners Charged in Ole Miss Student Deaths

A local store clerk and his son face drug charges in connection with the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. Yahya Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mosleh, 18, are charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The arrests follow an investigation into the students' deaths, which officials said appeared consistent with overdoses. Toxicology reports are pending.

Investigators found packages of suspected kratom derivatives in the students' rooms and identified a potential link to a local vape, tobacco, and beer store operated by the Moslehs.

Suspected kratom derivatives were seized from the store. Kratom is a plant-based product that can cause stimulant or opiate-like sedative effects. Derivatives like MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 are Schedule I controlled substances, more potent than natural kratom or morphine.

While kratom is legal federally, 11 states have banned it. Mississippi requires purchasers to be 21 or older, but Oxford and Lafayette County have banned the substance.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Mississippi is overseeing the case, with state agencies working to expedite toxicology reports.