LOGAN — A 36-year-old Hyde Park man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a Nibley man in October 2023. Hamud Issa Abdullahi was booked Wednesday into the Cache County Jail.
According to an arrest affidavit, Cache County Sheriff’s deputies were called to an overdose death on Oct. 13, 2023. The 37-year-old deceased individual was found to have fatal levels of fentanyl and other drugs in his system.
Deputies found numerous medications, including three blue pills which had markings and appearance consistent with counterfeit oxycodone. A medical examiner later concluded that drugs in the man’s body were in high enough concentrations to cause his death.
Early on in the investigation, deputies learned Abdullahi allegedly provided the man with the drugs that caused his death. The two were friends and co-workers at a Logan food plant, the probable cause statement detailed.
Deputies claim Abdullahi was frequently involved in purchasing and distributing pills throughout the community, in quantities ranging from 2 to 280. The drugs were obtained from the Salt Lake area.
According to phone records, Abdullahi had communicated with the man the day before his death, agreeing to sell him 6 “blues” which is known to be slang for fentanyl. Surveillance video showed the suspect get into the man’s car, outside their workplace on Oct. 12. There was also a screenshot in text messages, showing a CashApp payment for $60, according to court documents.
Investigators questioned Abdullahi, who originally denied seeing his friend and co-worker the night before his death. He later claimed the pills he gave the man were Xanax. As law enforcement continued their questioning, he reportedly admitted that “selling the pills was very stupid and reckless,” deputies reported.
According to court records, Abdullahi was arraigned Thursday, Feb. 22, in Logan’s 1st District Court. He was charged with manslaughter and distribution of a controlled substance, both second-degree felonies; and obstructing justice, a class A misdemeanor.
Abdullahi was ordered to appear again in court March 27. He could face up to 30 years in prison, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.