by St. Cloud, MN – A chilling case from Minnesota has emerged where Stuart Hanmer, 35, stands accused of murdering his roommate by poisoning him with the banned and highly toxic heavy metal thallium. The somber story unfolds against the backdrop of a sober living facility, highlighting a disturbing misuse of a once-common but now forbidden poison.
Hanmer was arrested following the death of Cody Ernst, 33, who exhibited agonizing symptoms and was eventually hospitalized with lethal levels of thallium. This tragic incident spotlights not only a rare form of poisoning but also the dark side of internet searches leading to a devastating crime.
The Start of a Harrowing Medical Mystery
Hanmer and Ernst shared a residence within a sober living community, with Ernst already several months into his stay when Hanmer arrived in May. Shortly after Hanmer’s arrival, Ernst’s health began to decline sharply, suffering from strange, painful symptoms that required repeated hospital visits.
- June 20: Ernst was admitted to the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
- Doctors discovered extremely high and lethal levels of thallium in his bloodstream.
- By June 22, Ernst’s condition deteriorated, leaving him paralyzed and dependent on life support before he succumbed.
Ernst’s former fiancée, Cat Williams, described his death as “the most horrific, awful way anybody could pass, just complete utter cruelty.”
Suspicious Online Activity and Evidence
Authorities uncovered distressing evidence linking Hanmer to the poisoning after an investigation revealed his intense curiosity about thallium, known for its use as a rodent poison and insecticide before being banned in the U.S. decades ago. Despite the ban, thallium remains in use in electronics manufacturing.
According to the criminal complaint and reports from St. Cloud Live and Minnesota Public Radio:
- Hanmer conducted multiple online searches in April and May 2024 with terms like:
“How long does it take if thallium poisons you,” “How much thallium nitrate is fatal,” and “Is thallium the most toxic?” - He also searched for purchasing options and made several online purchases totaling $162.56 for 25 grams of thallium metal, receiving the package on May 14.
- Notably, Ernst had his first hospital episode involving vomiting and seizures just two days later.
- Hanmer also viewed YouTube videos on creating thallium sulfate in April and May.
“The evidence shows a clear trajectory of malicious intent and preparation,” one law enforcement official stated, highlighting the significance of Hanmer’s actions prior to Ernst’s illness.
The Legal Aftermath and Charges
When questioned by police on July 7, Hanmer denied any prior knowledge of thallium poisoning despite the detailed online activity traced to him. He said that he and Ernst would “smoke marijuana and drink coffee together,” appearing to downplay any connection.
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Hanmer was arrested on Wednesday, charged with second-degree intentional murder, and is being held at the Stearns County Jail. His bail is set at $4 million without conditions or $2 million with conditions. The case is set for a court appearance on September 19.
This investigation was a collaboration between local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), underscoring the severity of the crime and the need for federal involvement.
For more details about this case, visit Law&Crime.
What Can Be Learned From This Tragic Incident?
- Thallium poisoning is rare but extremely dangerous, as shown by its lethality in Ernst’s case.
- The case illustrates the dark potential consequences of access to banned substances and misuse of knowledge on the internet.
- Awareness and education about dangerous chemicals remain crucial, especially in shared living environments like sober living homes.
Experts recommend vigilance regarding unusual symptoms that might indicate poisoning and stress the critical role of immediate medical intervention.
“This case is a grave reminder of how curiosity combined with malicious intent can have devastating consequences,” a toxicology expert commented.
What do you think about this tragic poisoning case? Have you or someone you know ever encountered or heard of rare poisonings like thallium? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
