Authorities have released additional information regarding the stabbing death of 22-year-old Hallie Marie Tobler, daughter of former Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the St. Cloud Police Department and the Stearns County Attorney’s Office confirmed that Hallie’s husband, Dylan Tobler, 23, had been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.
According to the criminal complaint, St. Cloud police officers responded to the couple’s apartment on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 7. Officers were dispatched after a person identified as “Witness A” reported they had not heard from Hallie since the evening of Feb. 3.
“Witness A indicated they knocked on the door for about 15 minutes and it was eventually unlocked from the inside,” the complaint states. “Witness A stated they entered and found [Hallie] deceased in the bathroom. Witness A also reported Dylan Michael Tobler was present in the living room of the residence and appeared to have tried to kill himself.”
Investigators reported finding Hallie’s body in the bathroom, noting that she had “multiple wounds to her chest, upper back, head, and neck … consistent with a knife being used.” Officers also located multiple knives in the bathroom, including one with dried blood on the blade.
The complaint further alleges that officers read Dylan Tobler his Miranda rights before questioning him about recent events.
“The defendant stated, ‘It’s a mess,’” the complaint reads. “The defendant stated he was alone in the residence with [Hallie]. The defendant stated he thought it was his fault [Hallie] was dead and he caused his own injuries. When asked what will happen next, the defendant stated ‘jail’ and tapped himself on the chest.”
Dylan Tobler was treated for stab wounds at St. Cloud Hospital. After being medically cleared and released on Tuesday, he was immediately taken into custody and transported to Stearns County Jail, where he remains held pending court proceedings.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
“This investigation remains active with the assistance of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,” police said in an earlier update. “Anyone with information regarding the above incident is urged to contact the St. Cloud Police Department at 320-251-1200 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-255-1301, or www.tricountycrimestoppers.org.”
Booking records from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office confirm that Tobler was booked Tuesday and is facing a felony second-degree murder charge described as “2nd Degree – With Intent – Not Premeditated.”
Hallie Tobler was the daughter of Jeff Johnson, a former St. Cloud city councilman who had been campaigning for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor. Following his daughter’s death, Johnson announced he would withdraw from the gubernatorial primary race.
“There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,” the Minnesota Republican Party said in a statement issued Monday, Feb. 9. “The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy … We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.”
The remaining Republican candidates for governor include MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, retired MMA fighter Brad Kohler, and Minnesota state Rep. Kristin Robbins.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar also issued a statement on X, writing: “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.”
