In St. Cloud, Minnesota, police have arrested a man accused of intentionally poisoning his roommate with a dangerous substance earlier this year. Authorities say the suspect, a 35-year-old from Moorhead, is now being held at the Stearns County Jail in connection with the death of his 33-year-old roommate, Cody Ray Ernst. Investigators report that the case dates back to June, when Ernst suddenly fell seriously ill and was rushed to the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis.
Doctors at the hospital soon discovered that Ernst had an extremely high and lethal level of thallium in his system. Thallium is a highly toxic chemical that has historically been used in rodenticides and pesticides but is now strictly regulated due to its severe health risks. Because of the critical nature of his condition, the hospital staff immediately notified law enforcement. Police said they were contacted on June 20, after Ernst had been admitted in grave condition. Despite intensive medical care, Ernst’s health continued to deteriorate, and he died just two days later. Authorities confirmed that his death was caused by medical complications directly linked to ingesting thallium.
Following Ernst’s death, police launched an extensive investigation to determine how he had been poisoned. The case quickly became complex, drawing in multiple agencies across the state. St. Cloud police worked closely with other police departments, county sheriff’s offices, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation. With the help of these partners, investigators were able to trace evidence back to the man who had been living with Ernst at the time of his death. Authorities have not publicly detailed the nature of the evidence, but they confirmed it was strong enough to connect the roommate directly to the poisoning.
After months of careful investigation, the Moorhead man was taken into custody on Wednesday. Police allege that he deliberately poisoned Ernst, leading to his fatal illness and eventual death. While details about the motive have not yet been released, authorities emphasize that the evidence clearly shows intentional harm. The suspect is now awaiting further legal proceedings while being held in Stearns County Jail.
The case has shocked many in the community due to the disturbing and deliberate nature of the crime. Poisonings are rare, and thallium-related cases are especially unusual given how difficult the substance is to obtain. Law enforcement officials say the cooperation among multiple agencies was essential in piecing together the case and ensuring that the suspect was identified and brought into custody. The arrest marks a significant step toward justice for Ernst’s family, who lost him under tragic and suspicious circumstances.
Investigators have not ruled out additional charges as the case develops, but for now, the focus is on ensuring the suspect faces accountability for the actions that led to Ernst’s death. Police say their investigation remains ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case proceeds through the court system.
