Charges were filed Tuesday against a St. Cloud man for allegedly fatally stabbing his wife, the daughter of a candidate for Minnesota governor.
Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, faces one count of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 22-year-old Hallie Marie Tobler. Hallie Tobler was the daughter of Republican candidate for governor Jeff Johnson, a former St. Cloud City Council member.
If convicted, Dylan Tobler faces up to 40 years in prison.
Dylan Tobler reportedly suffered self-inflicted injuries, and was treated under guard at St. Cloud Hospital. St. Cloud police reported Tuesday morning that he had been released from the hospital and taken to the Stearns County Jail. Court records indicate he made an initial court appearance later Tuesday.
According to the criminal complaint filed Tuesday in Stearns County:
St. Cloud police officers were called to the couple’s apartment on 40th Avenue South on Saturday night. A witness had gone to the apartment after not hearing from Hallie Tobler since the previous Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The witness told officers that they “knocked on the door for about 15 minutes and it was eventually unlocked from the inside. (The witness) stated they entered and found (Hallie Tobler) deceased in the bathroom.”
The witness said Dylan Tobler was in the living room with apparent self-inflicted injuries. When later asked by officers what had happened over the past several days, he allegedly replied: “It’s a mess.” He reportedly said he had been alone in the apartment with his wife, and that he thought it was his fault that she was dead.
“When asked what will happen next, the defendant stated ‘jail’ and tapped himself on the chest,” the complaint alleges. The complaint makes no mention of a possible motive.
A medical examiner later found that Hallie Tobler had multiple stab wounds. Officers found several knives in the bathroom — including one with dried blood on the blade.
The complaint states that Hallie Tobler died sometime between Feb. 3 and Feb. 7.
Jeff Johnson suspended his campaign for Minnesota governor in the wake of his daughter’s death. The Republican Party of Minnesota issued a statement Monday saying it is “heartbroken by the tragic loss.”
“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 statement said.
Johnson — who is not the Jeff Johnson who is a former Hennepin County commissioner and two-time Republican nominee for governor — was in a crowded field of candidates seeking the party’s nomination this year.
Other candidates in the race offered condolences to Johnson and his family.
A 24-hour statewide domestic violence and sexual violence hotline is available in Minnesota. You can call Minnesota Day One at 866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995 to connect to resources closest to where you live.
