Luke Smith (15 years old)
WATSONVILLE — Aptos High School is mourning the loss of one of their own after an adverse reaction to LSD led to the stabbings of two people over the weekend.
In the early morning hours of this past Saturday, Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the 800 block of Amesti Road on reports of a stabbing. The victims were the father and uncle of 15-year-old Luke Smith, who’d taken a bad batch of LSD and had lashed out during an adverse and violent reaction to the drug. Given LSD’s unpredictable nature, some are prone to what’s known as a “bad trip,” which can last up to 10-12 hours and elicit reactions such as irrational fear or panic.
The two victims were taken to a nearby hospital, one of whom had suffered severe injuries and another listed as critical.
Authorities found Luke near the scene, still armed with a knife. Numerous attempts to diffuse the situation proved ineffective, including use of a K-9. Luke then advanced on an officer with the knife, at which point said officer was forced to draw his weapon and fire.
Paramedics attempted to treat Luke, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas Negron
Bradley Hodge
The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office has arrested four people whom they suspect sold the drug to Luke — Nathaniel Trecasco (28), Bradley Hodge (24), Thomas Negron (20), and Taylor Filson (28). With regards to Trecasco, police discovered him in a coma-like state, most likely the result of a drug overdose.
