Charges Filed Against Saint Cloud Man in Wife’s Fatal Stabbing
BY MN CRIME STAFF
Hallie and Dylan Tobler in an undated image shared on Facebook
A Saint Cloud man has been formally charged after his wife was found stabbed to death inside their apartment last weekend.
Officers were called around 8:20 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, to the 3000 block of 40th Avenue South after a person went to check on the woman and found her dead inside the apartment.
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Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, of Saint Cloud, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing of 22-year-old Hallie Tobler.
According to the complaint, an unidentified person who hadn’t heard from Hallie since Feb. 3 went to the apartment and knocked on the door for about 15 minutes. The door was eventually unlocked from inside by Dylan, the documents say. The person entered the apartment and located Hallie dead in the bathroom. The person also reported Dylan was inside the living room and appeared to have attempted to harm himself.
PREVIOUSLY: 1 Dead, 1 Hurt in Suspected Saint Cloud Homicide
Officers arriving at the apartment located Hallie’s body in the bathroom. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office determined she suffered multiple wounds to her chest, upper back, head and neck. Investigators said the injuries were consistent with a knife attack. Officers also recovered multiple knives in the bathroom, including one with dried blood on the blade. The medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Police located Dylan in the living room with what investigators described as self-inflicted knife wounds. During a Mirandized statement, investigators asked him what had happened over the previous several days. According to the complaint, he responded, “It’s a mess.”
Tobler told investigators he was alone in the apartment with Hallie and said he believed it was his fault she was dead, also admitting he caused his own injuries.
Investigators allege the killing occurred sometime between Feb. 3 and Feb. 7.
Tobler made an initial court appearance on Tuesday where bail was set at $1.5 million with conditions including no alcohol use, no use of mood-altering chemicals and random testing. Second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison if convicted.
Dr. Jeff Johnson in an undated image from LinkedIn.
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On Monday, the Minnesota Republican Party released a statement confirming Hallie Tobler was the daughter of Dr. Jeff Johnson, a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate and longtime state political figure.
“The Minnesota Republican Party is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter, who was killed in a violent crime Saturday night in Saint Cloud. 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,” MNGOP officials said in the statement.
Johnson suspended his campaign for governor following his daughter’s death.
“Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for Governor of Minnesota. We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time,” the statement continued.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saint Cloud Police Department at 320-251-1200 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-255-1301.
