Rock Hill, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
A shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop in Rock Hill has left two dead and one injured. Zachary Elias, the suspect, allegedly entered the shop armed and opened fire. Defense attorneys suggest drug-induced psychosis may be a factor, as he consumed a psilocin-laced chocolate bar earlier. This incident raises concerns about unregulated magic mushroom products in South Carolina.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – A tragic mass shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop on December 4, 2024, left two people dead and a third injured. The suspect, 29-year-old Zachary Elias, entered the smoke shop armed with a black semi-automatic rifle, yelling, “Where’s the mushroom man?” before opening fire. The victims included employee Celcei Johnson, 27, and customer Emad Thabet Saadalla, 49. Saadalla’s wife was also injured, while another clerk managed to escape unharmed.
Elias’ defense attorneys have pointed to a “drug-induced psychosis” as the cause of the shooting, claiming he consumed a chocolate bar laced with psilocin, a psychoactive compound derived from magic mushrooms, earlier on the day of the incident. Tests conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed the presence of psilocin in both the chocolate bar purchased at the smoke shop and Elias’ bloodstream. Psilocin is illegal in South Carolina.
According to reports, Elias bought a “Wavy Wafer magic mushroom chocolate bar” along with other marijuana-infused products on the same day. The growing popularity of magic mushroom products has led to concerns about unregulated sales. Projections suggest that this market could reach a $3.3 billion industry by 2031, as noted by Forbes. Despite the demand, psilocin and psilocybin remain illegal in South Carolina, and the chocolate bar consumed by Elias lacked clear ingredient labeling, merely listing “mushroom extract.”
In 2024 alone, there have been more than 70 hospitalizations and several deaths linked to edible products which claim to contain magic mushrooms. Experts warn that many of these products may contain synthetic or illegal drugs, often poorly represented on packaging. The lack of regulation has created a marketplace filled with questionable substances, capitalizing on legal loopholes that allow companies to sell modified hallucinogenic compounds. Elias reportedly exhibited paranoia and unusual behavior after consuming the chocolate bar, leading to his violent outburst at the smoke shop.
Court evidence revealed that Elias had no prior history of mental illness, and this incident marked only his second experience with magic mushroom products. Family members of the victims have expressed fear regarding Elias’ potential release, resulting in the denial of bond during court proceedings. In light of the incident, state lawmakers are calling for increased regulations to tackle the dangers associated with unregulated magic mushroom products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been linked to similar health incidents associated with products sold at smoke shops, underscoring the patterns of misleading marketing within the industry. A video captured during the shooting showed Elias in an agitated state, displaying bizarre behavior and suggesting he was experiencing delusions.
The trial date for Elias has yet to be announced, but he remains in custody facing numerous charges, including murder and attempted murder.
Key Facts
- Incident Date: December 4, 2024
- Location: Budiman’s Smokeshop, Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Victims: Celcei Johnson (27) and Emad Thabet Saadalla (49)
- Injured: Saadalla’s wife and another clerk
- Suspect: Zachary Elias (29), charged with murder and attempted murder
- Substance Involved: Psilocin from a magic mushroom chocolate bar
- Market Projection: $3.3 billion industry by 2031
- Yearly Hospitalizations: More than 70 linked to magic mushroom products in 2024
FAQ Section
What happened during the mass shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop?
On December 4, 2024, Zachary Elias entered Budiman’s Smokeshop armed with a black semi-automatic rifle, leading to the deaths of two individuals and wounding a third.
What substance is linked to the shooting?
The substance linked to the shooting is psilocin, which Elias consumed from a chocolate bar that contained magic mushrooms.
What legal actions are being taken regarding the incident?
Elias remains in custody facing charges of murder and attempted murder. State lawmakers are calling for increased regulation of unregulated magic mushroom products.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 4, 2024 |
| Location | Budiman’s Smokeshop, Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Victims | Celcei Johnson (27) and Emad Thabet Saadalla (49) |
| Injured | Saadalla’s wife and another clerk |
| Suspect | Zachary Elias (29) |
| Substance Involved | Psilocin from a magic mushroom chocolate bar |
| Market Projection | $3.3 billion industry by 2031 |
| Yearly Hospitalizations | More than 70 linked to magic mushroom products in 2024 |
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Psilocybin
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: Psilocybin use
- Herald Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Psilocybin
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Psilocybin products
- ZME Science
- Google News: Psilocybin products
- Medscape
- Discover Magazine
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.
