Denis Preka, a 21-year-old college student, tragically died after unknowingly ingesting MDMA and MDA, drugs his friends provided under the guise of Adderall during a study session on March 18, 2019. Videos recorded by his friends during his decline depicted their taunting and negligence, showing Preka struggling to breathe as they livestreamed the events on Snapchat. Despite this evidence, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed criminal charges against the individuals involved, citing insufficient evidence after a judge ruled the Snapchat footage inadmissible.
Denis’s mother, Linda Preka Thom, has fought relentlessly for justice, haunted by the graphic images of her son’s last moments. She has publicly criticized the prosecutors for their handling of the case and filed a formal complaint against them for ethical violations. Despite a civil court ruling that awarded her family $75 million in a wrongful death lawsuit, no one has faced criminal charges.
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has since taken over the investigation, renewing Thom’s hopes for justice. She believes that the same individuals responsible for her son’s death should be held accountable and has criticized the prosecutors for not pursuing the case more vigorously. She argues that the Snapchat evidence should be regarded as reliable and has expressed her disillusionment with the justice system.
As the investigation continues, Thom remains resolute, stating, “Without finding justice for my son — no mother moves on.” Her determination exemplifies a mother’s relentless quest for accountability in the face of profound loss.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
