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Carl John Alfred Hammerberg. Case No. 5148. Duluth Herald, January 18, 1924.

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Carl John Alfred Hammerberg. Case No. 5148. Duluth Herald, January 18, 1924.

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ST. PAUL YOUTHS ARE SUFFOCATED STEALING A RIDE


(By Associated Press)


Duluth, Jan. 16—Two unidentified youths, apparently about 20 years of age, were found dead in a refrigerator car when a Northern Pacific freight train arrived here today from St. Paul. Death was caused by suffocation. The train left St. Paul last night.
The bodies were discovered when freight handlers opened the car shortly after its arrival. The coroner is investigating.
When the youths boarded the car, which is heated by charcoal burners, they closed the narrow air opening at the top, making the car air tight. Fumes from the burner apparently overcame one while he slept, while the other, judging from the position and condition of the body, fought desperately to reach the opening.
Examination of the bodies by the coroner failed to reveal definite means of identification but since one of the boys had a list of Duluth telephone numbers in his pocket, authorities are inclined to believe that they lived in Duluth and were stealing a ride home after a visit in the twin cities.
Police calling the telephone numbers on the list found in the lad’s pocket, communicated with several young girls but most of these when informed that they were wanted at the coroner’s office to assist in the identification refused to comply.

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