Rock Hill, S.C., September 18, 2025
News Summary
Zachary East Elias has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder after a shooting at a smoke shop in Rock Hill, S.C. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and raised significant concerns about the legality of certain products sold at the store. The defense argues that Elias was under the influence of misleadingly marketed psychoactive substances, leading to his violent behavior. The case has initiated important discussions regarding public safety and accountability in retail practices.
Rock Hill, S.C. – Zachary East Elias, 29, faces two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on December 4, 2024. The shooting left two individuals dead and one injured, prompting significant legal and public safety discussions within the community.
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. EST, resulting in the deaths of 27-year-old Celci Johnson and 49-year-old Emad Saadalla. A third victim, a customer at the smoke shop, was wounded but managed to survive. Elias reportedly entered the store armed with an assault rifle and asked about the “mushroom man” before opening fire.
Following the incident, Elias fled the scene in a pickup truck, which he crashed into a bridge over the Catawba River. After exiting the vehicle, he charged at responding police officers, who utilized a Taser to immobilize him. An officer discharged a service weapon at Elias but missed. He has been held in York County jail without bond for nearly nine and a half months since his arrest.
Elias’ attorney, Alexandra Benevento, has requested bond for her client, arguing that his actions were a result of involuntary intoxication due to products sold at the smoke shop that were deceptively marketed. According to the defense, Elias purchased “Silly Farms Wavy Wafer” chocolate bars, which were marketed as containing lawful mushroom derivatives, but actual testing confirmed the presence of psilocin, a Schedule I controlled substance. After consuming these chocolate bars, Elias allegedly suffered from acute drug-induced psychosis, which the defense claims led to the violent incident.
Testing by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed the presence of psilocin in both the chocolate bars and in Elias’ blood on the night of the shooting. A clinical pharmacologist testified that the ingestion of the bars resulted in Elias’ psychosis, impairing his capacity to recognize or control his actions during the shooting. The defense posits that the sale of these dangerous products poses a greater threat to the community than Elias himself, who has no prior criminal record.
However, the prosecutor, Kevin Brackett, argues that Elias made a conscious choice to buy the chocolate bars and deliberately sought to change his reality. Citing the severity of the charges, Judge William A. McKinnon denied Elias’ request for bond. The case has raised important legal questions regarding culpability in instances of drug ingestion and the ability to impose liability on manufacturers for deceptive marketing practices.
The shooting incident has sparked a dialogue within Rock Hill and beyond regarding the regulation of controlled substances and the responsibilities of retailers in selling potentially dangerous products. Community advocates are emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key Details
- Incident Date: December 4, 2024
- Charges Against Elias: Two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
- Victims: Celci Johnson (27) and Emad Saadalla (49) deceased; one survivor.
- Location: Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery, Rock Hill, S.C.
- Substance Involved: “Silly Farms Wavy Wafer” chocolate bars marketed as legal, containing illegal psilocin.
Background Context
The case has highlighted urgent discussions surrounding the legality of certain psychoactive substances, the accountability of manufacturers, and the potential legal ramifications for individuals under the influence of misrepresented drugs. As authorities continue to investigate the events leading to the shooting, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the intersection between mental health, drug policy, and public safety.
FAQ
- What charges does Zachary East Elias face?
- Elias faces two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, along with a charge of possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
- When did the shooting incident occur?
- The shooting occurred on December 4, 2024.
- What was the outcome for the victims involved in the shooting?
- Celci Johnson and Emad Saadalla were killed, while a third victim was injured but survived.
- What products are at the center of this case?
- The products in question are “Silly Farms Wavy Wafer” chocolate bars, which were marketed misleadingly as containing lawful mushroom derivatives but actually contained illegal psilocin.
- What did the defense argue regarding Elias’ actions?
- The defense argued that Elias’ actions were due to involuntary intoxication from consuming the mislabeled products.
- What was the outcome of Elias’ bond request?
- Judge William A. McKinnon denied Elias’ request for bond, citing the severity of the charges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rock Hill School District Reports High Rates of Weapon Incidents
Clinton County Faces Series of Arrests and Investigations
Shooting Incident at Budiman’s Smokeshop in Rock Hill
Arrest of Tyler Robinson Following Shooting Incident
22-Year-Old Arrested for the Murder of Activist Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk’s Fatal Shooting: Examining Political Tensions
Varnish Cache: A Game-Changer in Web Performance
Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Murdered, Suspect Arrested
Zachary Elias Denied Bond in Double Homicide Case
Rock Hill Remembers Alexia Massey on Fourth Anniversary
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Double Homicide Suspect Denied Bond
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Smoke Shop Shooting
- QC News: Shooting at Rock Hill Smoke Shop
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
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.
