According to St. Cloud police, the case began on June 20, 2025, when 33-year-old Cody Ray Ernst of St. Cloud was admitted to the University of Minnesota hospital in critical condition. Medical staff discovered extremely high and lethal levels of thallium in his system.
Thallium, a heavy metal once used in rat poisons, is odorless and tasteless. Doctors determined Ernst was not expected to survive. On June 22, he died from complications directly linked to thallium ingestion.
An investigation was immediately launched with assistance from multiple agencies. Detectives later determined that Ernst’s roommate at the time, Steuart William Hanmer, had intentionally poisoned him. Hanmer has since moved to Moorhead.
On September 3, police arrested Hanmer in Moorhead. The 33-year-old suspect is now being held at the Stearns County Jail pending formal charges.
This remains an active case. Officials say more details will be released as charges are filed.
For more background on thallium and its toxic effects, see the CDC Emergency Response Guide.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
