Rock Hill, S.C., September 16, 2025
News Summary
Zachary Elias, 29, accused of double homicide at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery in Rock Hill, S.C., has been denied bond due to public safety concerns. The December 4 shooting left two dead and a third injured. Elias’s defense claims he was under the influence of Psilocin, potentially affecting his mental state. However, prosecutors argue he intentionally consumed the drug. Family members expressed fear during the court proceedings, emphasizing the emotional toll of the violence.
Rock Hill, S.C. – Zachary Elias, a 29-year-old man accused of double homicide, has been denied bond following a shooting incident at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery. The shooting took place on December 4, 2024, around 9:40 p.m., resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to a third.
During this tragic event, Elias allegedly shot three people, claiming the lives of Celci Johnson, 27, an employee at the smoke shop, and Emad Saadalla, 49, a customer. The third individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was injured but survived the attack. Following the incident, Elias fled in a truck, which he subsequently crashed near a bridge over the Catawba River.
Upon crashing, Elias allegedly charged at responding police officers, prompting one officer to discharge a weapon, although no one was hit. Officers eventually subdued him with a stun gun. Since his arrest, Elias has been held at the York County jail without the possibility of bond.
On Monday, a judge denied Elias’s request for bond, citing significant concerns regarding public safety. During court proceedings, the defense attorney argued that Elias had consumed an illegal substance, Psilocin, which was acquired in a chocolate bar at the smoke shop, possibly leading to an involuntary psychotic episode that resulted in the shooting. The attorney claimed this brought into question Elias’s state of mind during the incident.
Prosecutors countered this defense by asserting that Elias knowingly consumed the drug to purposely alter his mental state, as the chocolate bar was marketed as “magic mushroom chocolate.” The judge, after hearing the arguments, specifically noted the impact of the shooting incident and the ongoing concerns for victims’ families.
Family members of the victims were present in the courtroom and expressed their fears. They opposed the granting of bond, voicing the emotional toll that the tragic event has inflicted on their lives.
In a related instance of violent crime in the area, Bryan Mitchell, 40, was convicted of murder in a separate case last summer. Mitchell was sentenced to 35 years in prison for a shooting at the Lancaster Motor Speedway, where he killed Rodney Cunningham in August 2022. This ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity in the region underscores the community’s urgent need for safety and justice.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop highlight issues of mental health, substance use, and community safety, which have become increasingly crucial in discussions regarding violent crime in our society.
FAQ
What charges is Zachary Elias facing?
Zachary Elias faces two counts of murder for the shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
What was the outcome of Elias’s bond hearing?
Zachary Elias’s request for bond was denied by a judge, who expressed concerns for public safety.
What defense did Elias’s attorney present in court?
Elias’s attorney argued that he had ingested Psilocin from a chocolate bar, potentially causing an involuntary psychotic state during the shooting.
What effect did the shooting have on the victims’ families?
Family members expressed their fears and opposed the granting of bond to Elias, indicating the emotional impact of the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | December 4, 2024 |
| Location | Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C. |
| Victims | Celci Johnson, 27 (deceased); Emad Saadalla, 49 (deceased); one injured survivor |
| Charges Against Elias | Two counts of murder |
| Judge’s Ruling | Denied bond on public safety grounds |
| Defense Argument | Consumption of Psilocin causing involuntary state |
| Prosecutor’s Counterargument | Knowingly altered state of mind with illegal substances |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Man Denied Bail After Double Murder in Rock Hill
Tragedy Strikes Rock Hill: Community in Shock
Rock Hill Shooting: Community in Mourning
Tragedy Strikes Rock Hill: Community in Mourning
Tragic Smoke Shop Shooting Grips Rock Hill Community
Tragic Shooting Shakes Rock Hill Community
Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: Budiman’s Smokeshop
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime and Mental Health
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Psilocin
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
