Daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson "killed in a violent crime," GOP says
A St. Cloud, Minnesota, man is charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of his wife, the daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson.
Police in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say 22-year-old Hallie Marie Tobler was found dead Friday night inside the apartment she shared with 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler off 33rd Street South and 40th Avenue, about a mile north of Interstate 94 in the rural, south-central section of the city.
The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office says Hallie Tobler died from "multiple stab wounds." Police say Dylan Tobler suffered "life-threatening injuries" believed to be from "self-inflicted knife wounds."
Dylan Tobler was charged in Stearns County Tuesday with second-degree murder, with police announcing later in the morning that he was "medically cleared and released" from St. Cloud Hospital and is now being held in the Stearns County Jail. He also made his first court appearance Tuesday, where his bail was set at $3 million with conditions and $1.5 million with conditions.
According to the criminal complaint, a woman who knows Hallie Tobler told police she went to her apartment Friday night after not hearing from her in four days. She said the apartment was locked, and after knocking on the door for 15 minutes, "it was eventually unlocked from the inside."
She called 911 after finding Hallie Tobler dead in the bathroom, the complaint states, and said Dylan Tobler "was present in the living room of the residence and appeared to have tried to kill himself."
Hallie Tobler had suffered apparent knife wounds to "her chest, upper back, head and neck," the complaint states.
Police say Dylan Tobler later told investigators "he thought he was at fault" for both his wife's death and his own wounds, describing the situation as "a mess," according to the complaint. When police asked him, "What will happen next," they say Dylan Tobler tapped himself on the chest and said, "Jail."
The exact date and time of the deadly attack is unclear. If convicted, Dylan Tobler faces up to 40 years in prison. His next court appearance is set for Feb. 23.
The Republican Party of Minnesota announced in a statement posted to Facebook Monday morning that Johnson has suspended his gubernatorial campaign after his daughter was "killed in a violent crime."
"Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for Governor of Minnesota," party officials wrote. "We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers involved and ask for patience and compassion as the investigation continues."
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with the investigation. Police are asking for anyone with information on this case to call 320-251-1200. Tips can also be submitted online to the Tri-County Crime Stoppers, or via phone at 1-800–255-1301.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-799-SAFE or Minnesota Day One at 1-866-223-1111.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.
In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
