Dylan Tobler, the 23-year-old husband of Hallie Marie Tobler, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.
Hallie, 22, was fatally stabbed at the couple’s apartment on Saturday, Feb. 7. She was the daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate and former St. Cloud city councilman Jeff Johnson. Following the incident, authorities confirmed that Dylan was found inside the residence with stab wounds that investigators believe were self-inflicted.
In an update released Tuesday, Feb. 10, the St. Cloud Police Department stated that Dylan had been “medically cleared and released from St. Cloud Hospital” after receiving treatment for his injuries. Officers had been guarding him during his hospitalization and immediately took him into custody upon his release. He was then transported to the Stearns County Jail, where he is being held pending court proceedings on a charge of second-degree murder.
A press release summarizing the preliminary investigation indicated that the stabbing occurred inside the couple’s apartment. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with the ongoing investigation, which authorities say remains active. Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact the St. Cloud Police Department or Tri-County Crime Stoppers.
According to booking records from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Tobler was booked on Feb. 10 and is facing a felony charge of second-degree murder “with intent — not premeditated.”
In the wake of his daughter’s death, Jeff Johnson suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor. The Minnesota Republican Party issued a statement expressing sympathy for Johnson and his family.
“There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,” the party said. “The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy.” The statement also confirmed that Johnson had paused his campaign out of respect for his family and the magnitude of the loss.
Other Republican candidates in the gubernatorial race — including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, retired MMA fighter Brad Kohler, and Minnesota state Rep. Kristin Robbins — also expressed condolences. Robbins shared a public message offering prayers and support to the Johnson family during what she described as a heartbreaking and unimaginable time.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is widely considered a leading contender to succeed outgoing Gov. Tim Walz, also offered her sympathies. In a statement posted on X, she extended condolences to Johnson and his family and said she and her husband were praying for those mourning Hallie’s loss.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hallie Marie Tobler’s death.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Support is available 24/7, free and confidential, in more than 170 languages.