The Starkville Police Department charged two men with felonies after a 22-year-old Mississippi State University student died from an apparent drug overdose Sunday.
Officers arrived at 113 North Nash St. about 2 a.m. Sunday after emergency responders received a call about an unresponsive male. Medical technicians were unable to revive the victim, Thomas Parker Rodenbaugh, and he was later pronounced dead at OCH Regional Medical Center.
MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter confirmed Rodenbaugh was a junior at the university.
Officers charged Skylar Noel O’Kelly, 21, of 220 Lincoln Green Rd. with manslaughter — culpable negligence and possession of a controlled schedule I substance with intent over 40 dosage units. Nineteen-year-old Daylin Deveaeux O’Kelly, of 154 Christmas Lane, Madison, was also charged with possession of a controlled schedule I substance with intent over 40 dosage units.
The two suspects, Salter said, were not listed in MSU’s system.
Information posted to the trio’s social media accounts suggests a Madison connection between the three individuals, and the victim and Skylar O’Kelly both attended Madison Central High School, according to Facebook.
Both suspects were transported to Clay County Jail and scheduled to appear before Starkville Municipal Judge Rodney Faver on Monday.
SPD released no further information about the apparent overdose.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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