An Ohio man, Antoine Pixley, 21, faces multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault, and domestic violence, after he allegedly stabbed his roommate to death while under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms.
According to Akron police, Pixley attacked 22-year-old Dierre Williams early on Saturday morning, around 1 a.m., before turning his aggression toward his mother and stepfather.
The Incident and Charges
Police say Pixley, who was reportedly high on psilocybin mushrooms at the time of the attack, told officers that his mother and stepfather “looked like demons” during the incident.
He also claimed to have attacked Williams because of these hallucinations. Pixley faces charges of murder, felonious assault, and domestic violence following the deadly confrontation.
Lt. Michael Murphy, a spokesperson for Akron police, confirmed that Pixley not only stabbed Williams but also assaulted his 44-year-old stepfather. However, the stepfather was not seriously injured, and Pixley’s mother, though attacked, was not stabbed during the incident.
Hallucinatory Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is known to cause vivid hallucinations and psychological effects, which can make it difficult for users to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), these psychological consequences can include panic reactions and psychotic-like episodes, particularly if a high dose is consumed. Pixley’s reported claim that he saw his victims as demons aligns with the type of hallucinations that psilocybin can induce.
Police Search and Arrest
After the attack, Pixley fled the scene, and officers initially could not find him. However, the police tracked down his vehicle and used a K-9 unit to locate him. A knife was recovered from the vehicle, and Pixley was arrested. He was subsequently taken to Summit County Jail, where he is being held on a $1 million bond.
Ongoing Investigation
The tragic incident has left the community shocked and raised concerns about the dangers of consuming hallucinogenic substances in unregulated environments. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about Pixley’s state of mind and the circumstances surrounding the attack.