Minnesota – A Minnesota man was taken into custody earlier this week and is now facing a charge of second-degree intentionaI murder for the death of 33-year-old C. Ernest, who died in June this year after ingesting a Iethal dose of thaIIium. The defendant, 35-year-old S. Hammer, reportedly gave a first court appearance on September 5.
Minnesota authorities began investigating the victim’s death after he was admitted to the University of Minnesota Medical Center critical condition. Doctors determined he had an extremely high and lethal amount of thaIIium—a toxic, odorless, heavy metaI—in his body. The victim died two days later from medical complications related to thaIIium poisoning.
An extensive investigation involving the local police department, multiple local sheriff’s offices, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI uncovered evidence linking the defendant to the poisoning. Investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence (a sob er Iiving home) and found incriminating materiaIs. These included multiple internet searches conducted on his devices, with queries such as “how much thaIIium nitrate is fataI,” “is thaIIium the most toxic,” and “buy elementaI thaIIium.”
Court documents also revealed the defendant made three online purchases totalling more than one hundred and sixty dollars acquiring thaIIium metaI via PayPal—first on April 5 (5 grams), then additional amounts on April 6, and finally May 14. The latter delivery occurred just before the victim began exhibiting symptoms.
Medical records detail the victim’s decline beginning in mid-May. He first visited a hospital on May 16, complaining of vomiting and seizure-like episodes. The next day he returned with new symptoms such as numbness, burning sensations, and tingling in his limbs. Although he tried to leave the hospital against advice, he collapsed shortly after. He was admitted again and transferred to the University of Minnesota where tests confirmed thaIIium poisoning.
The month the defendant moved in into the facility, Minnesota authorities said the victim began experiencing unusual and painful symptoms that led to multiple hospital visits over the following weeks.
By the time the victim died, his health had declined to the point where he was paralyzed and placed on life support, according to his former girlfriend, who spoke to local news outlet. She described his death as the most horrific, awfuI and crueI way anyone could pass.
When investigators interviewed the defnednat on July 7, he said he and the victim would often smoke marijuana and drink coffee together in the mornings. He denied any knowledge of thaIIium poisoning prior to the victim’s death. However, his search history and transactions starkly contrast that claim. Additionally, during a search of his phones, investigators discovered he admitted to using meth heavily during the period in question and claimed he might not remember searching about thaIIium.
The victim’s loved ones have spoken out about the tragedy. His sister described him as a kind, devoted father, someone who had decided to turn his life around and had been sober for more than six months. His steps to sobriety had inspired many at the recovery facility. The victim leaves behind a 14-year-old daughter, and his memory is being honored through a GoFundMe set up to support her.
From a roommate dispute, investigators uncovered a chilling sequence: online searches and purchases of thallium, followed by a tragic medical decline resulting in death, prompting a murder charge and the beginning of a legal process that could carry up to 40 years in prison if Hanmer is convicted. His next hearing is scheduled soon, as the community waits for answers and accountability.
Featured Image – 33-year-old C. Ernest | 35-year-old S. Hammer