Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jeff Johnson has suspended his Minnesota governor campaign after his 22-year-old daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, was found fatally stabbed in her St. Cloud apartment over the weekend.
St. Cloud police say officers responded to a medical emergency call Saturday night and discovered Hallie dead from multiple stab wounds inside a locked apartment. Her husband, 23-year-old Dylan Tobler, was also found at the scene with serious injuries that investigators believe were self-inflicted. Authorities have said he is believed to be “the person responsible for Hallie’s injuries and death.” He remains hospitalized in stable condition under police custody and is expected to be transferred to jail once released. On Tuesday, Dylan Tobler was charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with his wife’s killing. It is not immediately clear if Dylan Tobler was released from the hospital as of Tuesday morning; and his attorney did not immediately return a request for comment. Hallie Tobler and her husband had been together for several years before marrying in late 2021, according to family.
Johnson, a former St. Cloud city council member, launched his bid for the Republican nomination for governor last year and was part of a crowded GOP field. Following the killing, the Minnesota Republican Party confirmed he was stepping away from the race. The party said in a statement: “There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family. The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy.” The party added, “We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.”
The tragedy also prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Minnesota’s political spectrum. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared, “My condolences to Jeff Johnson and his entire family for the loss of their daughter on Saturday night. John and I are praying for all those who loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and have asked anyone with information to contact local authorities or submit tips through Crime Stoppers.
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