Synthetic drug use confirmed in fatal UT stabbing - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Synthetic drug use confirmed in fatal UT stabbing

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New information has been released about a fatal stabbing on the University of Toledo's campus back in December.

Josiah Galat, 20, was found stabbed to death behind the International House. Erik Littleton, 19, was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries.

According to toxicology results, Galat tested positive for 25i, a synthetic hallucinogenic.

"It's a designer drug," UT Police Chief Jeff Newton said.  "It's like a synthetic LSD type drug."

Police tell 13abc it can cause violent behavior, strong hallucinations, even organ failure.  New says 25i likely contributed to what happened in the stairwell of the International House.

Police believe the drug was a contributing factor in the altercation.

"We'll look at it as part of the investigation," Newton said. "This will be an important piece and we'll see where it goes."

But there still is some concern.  Designer drugs like this are very dangerous and the effects vary from person to person.  Newton along with other students don't want to see it on campus.

"It's probably one of those things that could become a big issue," UT Freshman Breiah Hoskins said.

Sophomore Nice Grzybowski agrees saying, "if students are taking it here that's not safe, especially at night."

The investigation is still ongoing.

There is no word on whether Littleton had the drug in his system as well.

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