Daughter of Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate stabbed to death, husband in custody

The 22-year-old daughter of Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson was killed over the weekend in St Cloud in a domestic stabbing. 

St Cloud police said they responded to the 3100 block of 40 Ave S for a medical emergency on February 7 at 8:20 pm and located one deceased female who received multiple wounds. A 23-year-old adult male was found alive in the house and transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

The female was identified as Hallie Marie Tobler, and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office determined that her injuries were consistent with multiple stab wounds. The male in the incident was identified as 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, Hallie Tobler’s husband. 

A press release stated, "Based on the investigation, it is believed that Dylan’s injuries are self-inflicted and that he is the person responsible for Hallie’s injuries and death. Dylan remains at the St. Cloud Hospital in stable condition, where he is in the custody of the St. Cloud Police Department. Upon release from the hospital, Dylan will be transported to the Stearns County Jail, where he will be held for court on charges related to the homicide." 

The Republican Party of Minnesota released a statement saying that Johnson has suspended his campaign for governor as a result of his daughter’s death. 

"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 St. 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," the statement read. 

"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. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers involved and ask for patience and compassion as the investigation continues."

Per Alpha News, Dylan Tobler was convicted in January on a charge of disorderly conduct, which had been downgraded to a petty misdemeanor after a plea agreement. The original citation listed a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct for fighting/brawling involving simple assault. 

In the mid-June incident, the complaint stated that Dylan Tobler choked the victim, who was identified as the "wife" and was listed by the initials "HMT" in the complaint. Police had been called to the 40 Ave S residence for a "welfare complaint," and while en route, authorities learned that he had left the house in a car and "wasn’t making any sense." The victim said that Dylan Tobler had "psychosis" and a history of "aggressive behavior." 

Police found shattered glass and a broken picture frame at the scene. The victim told authorities that she believed Dylan Tobler was "having delusions" and said she was "alarmed" by his behavior. With the plea agreement downgrading the charge to a petty misdemeanor, Dylan Tobler was ordered to pay a $150 fine, and no jail time was imposed.