Former Minn. Governor Candidate and Wife Break Silence on Killing of 22-Year-Old Daughter Hallie Tobler After Son-in-Law’s Arrest

Hallie Marie Tobler’s parents are speaking publicly after their son-in-law was charged in connection with her death.

Hallie, 22, was found stabbed to death in her St. Cloud apartment on Saturday, Feb. 7. Her husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was found in the home with self-inflicted stab wounds and was taken to a hospital for treatment. After he was medically cleared on Tuesday, Feb. 10, he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Hallie’s father, former St. Cloud City Councilmember Jeff Johnson, was in the middle of a gubernatorial campaign when the news became public. The Minnesota Republican Party said on Monday, Feb. 9, that he ended his candidacy “out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss.”

In a statement released overnight, Jeff and his wife, Julie Johnson, thanked those who have reached out in recent days and expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their work.

“We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved daughter, Hallie Marie,” the Johnsons said. “Hallie was a bright light in our lives and in the lives of so many others. She was kind, compassionate, and full of promise. The pain of losing her in this way is something no family should ever have to endure, and we are still struggling to comprehend this unimaginable reality.”

They also emphasized the importance of mental health support, urging anyone who is struggling to reach out to a trusted professional, counselor, or local mental health service.

“Right now, our focus is on honoring Hallie’s memory and supporting all those whose lives she touched during this devastating loss,” they added. “We ask that everyone keep our daughter in their thoughts and remember her for the beautiful person she was.”

According to a criminal complaint, an unnamed witness went to Hallie’s apartment on Feb. 7 to check on her after not hearing from her for four days. The witness told authorities they knocked on the door for about 15 minutes before it was unlocked from inside.

After entering, the witness reported finding Hallie’s body on the bathroom floor with multiple stab wounds to her chest, upper back, neck, and head. The witness also reported that Dylan was in the living room with stab wounds and appeared to have attempted to take his own life.

When officers arrived, they read Dylan his Miranda rights and asked what had happened over the previous several days, according to the complaint. He allegedly responded, “It’s a mess.”

The complaint also alleges Dylan told officers he believed he caused Hallie’s death and inflicted his own injuries. When asked what would happen next, he allegedly said “jail” and tapped his chest, according to the document.

Dylan has been charged with second-degree murder “with intent — not premeditated,” and is scheduled to appear in court next on Feb. 23.