Victim of December stabbing at UT had synthetic drug in his system

3/22/2013

University of Toledo police say that the student who died in December during a stabbing on campus had a synthetic hallucinogenic drug in his system.

Chief Jeff Newton said a toxicology report for Josiah Galat, 20, of Mansfield, showed he had 25i, similar to LSD, in his system. Mr. Galat, a senior at UT, died of stab wounds he suffered in a Dec. 19 altercation inside the Horton International House. Classmate Erik Littleton, 19, of Detroit, was critically injured in the incident but survived.

The two apparently fought in the residence hall's stairwell leading to the stabbing.

Mr. Galat and Mr. Littleton, who chose to live together during UT's winter break, had spent the day together, and, at one point, were joined by Alexander Vogel, 18, who was signed into the building by Mr. Littleton. When police reached the hall they found Mr. Vogel naked and agitated. He was taken to a hospital for medical treatment and then was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge.

Chief Newton said Mr. Vogel, a former student, did not witness the fight and “had absolutely no knowledge of what happened.” He would not comment on whether police believe Mr. Vogel or Mr. Littleton were under the influence of 25i during the incident.

University police have no other reports of 25i use on campus, and Chief Newton said the drug appears to be relatively new.

Chief Newton said he could not comment on where or from whom police believe the drug was purchased, and he would not give a timeline for the investigation's conclusion.

"We are hopeful that we are at a point where we can put a period on the end of it here soon," he said.

Mr. Littleton has cooperated with the investigation and has not be charged.