In a shocking incident that has garnered statewide attention, Hallie Marie Tobler, the 22-year-old daughter of Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Dr. Jeff Johnson, was found deceased in her St. Cloud apartment on Saturday night. Authorities suspect her husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, of carrying out the attack before sustaining injuries himself.
The grim discovery was made around 8:20 p.m. in a locked apartment on 40th Avenue South. Hallie was pronounced dead at the scene, while Dylan Tobler was hospitalized in stable condition. MPR News reported that pending his release from the hospital, he is expected to be transferred to Stearns County Jail to face homicide-related charges. Law enforcement officials, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, are currently assisting the St. Cloud police with the investigation. As they review the evidence, further charges may be considered.
Dr. Jeff Johnson, a former St. Cloud City Council member who was contending in the Republican primary to succeed Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, has made the decision to suspend his campaign in light of this tragic event. The Minnesota Republican Party conveyed their deep sorrow over the loss and confirmed that Johnson's campaign activities have been put on hold. Political figures from across the state, including Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and fellow Republican Peggy Bennett, have expressed their condolences to the Johnson family.
Democratic candidate Amy Klobuchar also extended her sympathies, demonstrating a moment of unity amidst political divides. Jeff Johnson, who is not to be confused with another politician of the same name in Minnesota, is known for his work as a semi-truck driver and for his outspoken views on government inefficiency and corruption. His tenure on the St. Cloud city council from 2010 to 2018 was marked by his support for local government accountability and public safety initiatives. Johnson's stance in the recent precinct caucuses saw him receiving less than one percent of the vote.
The couple, Hallie and Dylan Tobler, were married in November 2021, according to The Independent. The investigation into Hallie's death, which is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide, continues as police and investigators gather evidence, review witness accounts, and prepare for the potential determination of additional charges.
The Johnson family's loss has united political figures in a shared expression of grief and support, with Republican leaders and local officials emphasizing the importance of respecting the family's privacy and commending the timely response of law enforcement and first responders. The campaign website for Johnson has since been taken down as the investigation proceeds.
