The parents of Hallie Marie Tobler, a 22-year-old Minnesota woman who was found stabbed to death in her St. Cloud apartment, are speaking publicly after her husband was charged in connection with her death.
Hallie was discovered dead on Saturday, Feb. 7. Authorities said her husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was found inside the apartment with self-inflicted stab wounds and was taken to a hospital. After being 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 family learned of her death. The Minnesota Republican Party said on Monday, Feb. 9, that he ended his candidacy in response to the loss.
In a statement released overnight, Jeff and Julie Johnson thanked those who have offered support and expressed appreciation for law enforcement.
“We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved daughter, Hallie Marie,” they 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.”
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They also emphasized the importance of mental health resources. “If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted professional, counselor, or local mental health service for help,” the statement said.
The parents added that their focus is on honoring Hallie’s memory and supporting those affected by her death, asking people to remember her “for the beautiful person she was.”
According to a criminal complaint, a 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 for about 15 minutes before the door was unlocked from inside.
The complaint says the witness then found 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 tried to take his own life.
Police said that when officers arrived, they read Dylan his Miranda rights and asked what had happened in the days prior. The complaint alleges he replied, “It’s a mess.” Investigators also claim he told officers he believed he caused Hallie’s death and that he inflicted his own injuries. When asked what would happen next, the complaint says he responded, “jail,” and tapped his chest.
Dylan Tobler is charged with second-degree murder with intent, without premeditation. He is scheduled to appear in court next on Feb. 23.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for free, confidential support 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
