Former Republican Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson said his family is “heartbroken beyond words” after his 22-year-old daughter was stabbed to death in a botched murder-suicide.
Hallie Marie Tobler was remembered by her grief-stricken parents as a warm and caring young woman who was “full of promise” days after she was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside her locked St. Cloud apartment Saturday night.
Her 23-year-old husband, Dylan, who was also found in the home with critical self-inflicted stab wounds, was taken into custody and hit with a second-degree murder charge for the fatal knifing.
“We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved daughter, Hallie Marie,” her devastated family said in a statement Thursday.
“Hallie was a bright light in our lives and in the lives of so many others. She was kind, compassionate, and full of promise. The pain of losing her in this way is something no family should ever have to endure, and we are still struggling to comprehend this unimaginable reality.”
The grieving family thanked supporters, friends and family for the “overwhelming outpouring of love,” praised law enforcement as the investigation continues, and stressed the importance of mental health support, urging anyone struggling to seek help from a medical professional.
“Right now, our focus is honoring Hallie’s memory and supporting all those whose lives she touched during this devastating loss,” the parents added.
“We ask that everyone keep our daughter in their thoughts and remember her for the beautiful person she was. Thank you for your understanding and compassion.”
The shocking slaying unfolded seven months after the Johnsons’ son-in-law was busted for allegedly choking their daughter while he was “having delusions” last June, court records show.
Dylan, who was described by his wife of having a “history of aggressive behavior,” was convicted of disorderly conduct, a petty misdemeanor, and ordered to pay a $150 fine on Jan. 28.
Johnson, a former St. Cloud city councilman who launched his bid for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor in March 2025, suspended his campaign following the tragedy, the Minnesota Republican Party said in a statement Monday.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
