A HEARTBROKEN family has spoken out after a 22-year-old woman, the daughter of a former gubernatorial candidate, was found stabbed to death inside a locked home.

The victim’s father, former St. Cloud City Council member Jeff Johnson, ended his run for governor as the case rocked Minnesota politics.

Mugshot of Dylan Tobler.
Dylan Tobler is charged with second-degree murderCredit: Stearns County Sheriff’s Office
 

Hallie Tobler at her graduation celebration, smiling while holding a small black object.
Hallie Tobler, 22, was found fatally stabbed, while her husband, Dylan, was taken to St. Cloud Hospital with ‘self-inflicted injuries,’ said policeCredit: Refer to Source
 

Hallie Tobler and Dylan Tobler posing for a photo.
Dylan and Hallie were married and were found in their locked apartment at the time of the initial call to policeCredit: Facebook/Julie Johnson
Hallie Marie Tobler was found dead inside her apartment on Saturday, February 7, police said.

Her husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was found inside with stab wounds believed to be self-inflicted and was taken to the hospital, authorities said.

After he was “medically cleared” on Tuesday, February 10, he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, officials said.

“We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved daughter, Hallie Marie,” Hallie’s parents said in a joint statement.

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“Hallie was a bright light in our lives and in the lives of so many others,” they added.

“She was kind, compassionate, and full of promise,” the statement said.

“If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted professional, counselor, or local mental health service for help,” they continued.

“Right now, our focus is on honoring Hallie’s memory and supporting all those whose lives she touched,” they said.

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A witness went to the apartment on February 7 to check on Hallie after not hearing from her for four days, according to a criminal complaint.

Per the complaint, the witness said they knocked for about 15 minutes before the door was unlocked from the inside.

Inside, Hallie was found on the bathroom floor with multiple stab wounds to her chest, upper back, neck and head, the complaint said.

The witness reported Dylan was in the living room with stab wounds and appeared to have tried to kill himself, according to the complaint.

When officers arrived and asked what happened over the last few days, Dylan allegedly replied, “It’s a mess,” the complaint states.

The complaint also alleges Dylan told police he believed he caused Hallie’s death and also caused his own injuries.

“When asked what will happen next, the defendant stated ‘jail’ and tapped himself on the chest,” the complaint read.

Police have said Hallie’s fatal injuries were consistent with multiple stab wounds, and the case is being investigated with outside help.

The Minnesota Republican Party said Johnson ended his candidacy “out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss.”

Dylan Tobler is charged with second-degree murder “with intent, not premeditated,” and he is due back in court next on February 23, authorities said.

Hallie and Dylan were married in November 2021, according to the St. Cloud Times, citing state records.

Hallie’s death also came days after Dylan was convicted of disorderly conduct that was reduced to a petty misdemeanor, according to Alpha News, with a probable-cause filing alleging he choked her on or about June 19, 2025.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who is also running in the Republican primary, said the family was facing an “unspeakable tragedy” and urged people to keep them in their thoughts.

Jeff was one of several Republicans running in the 2026 primary to succeed Tim Walz, alongside Mike Lindell and Brad Kohler.

Officials say the homicides remain under investigation as the community mourns Hallie’s death.

Dylan Tobler, Hallie Tobler, Julie Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, and Jeff Johnson posing together.
From left to right, Dylan Tobler, Hallie Tobler, Julie Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson and Jeff JohnsonCredit: Facebook/Julie Johnson
 

The apartment building in St. Cloud, Minnesota where Hallie Marie Tobler was found dead.
The homicide took place on Saturday in St. Cloud, MinnesotaCredit: KARE
Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/15934687/heartbreaking-update-daughter-gubernatorial-candidate-found-stabbed-locked-home/