Former Republican Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson said his family is “heartbroken beyond words” after his 22-year-old daughter was found stabbed to death inside her St. Cloud apartment, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Hallie Marie Tobler was discovered Saturday night in her locked apartment with multiple stab wounds.
Authorities said her 23-year-old husband, Dylan, was also found inside the residence suffering from critical self-inflicted stab wounds. He was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.
Republican Minnesota governor candidate Jeff Johnson suspends 2026 campaign after his 22-year-old daughter is stabbed to death.
In a botched murder-suicide over the weekend.
Hallie Marie Tobler, 22, was discovered dead with multiple stab wounds inside her locked apartment in St.… pic.twitter.com/HHgqsmDzIV [2]— michelle selaty (@michelle_selaty) February 10, 2026 [3]
In a statement released Thursday, Tobler’s family described their grief following the killing.
“We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved daughter, Hallie Marie,” her devastated family said.
“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 family thanked supporters and friends for what they called an “overwhelming outpouring of love” and praised law enforcement as the investigation continues.
They also stressed the importance of mental health support and encouraged 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.”
According to court records, the stabbing occurred seven months after Dylan had been arrested for allegedly choking Tobler while he was “having delusions” last June. Records indicate that he had been described by his wife as having a “history of aggressive behavior.”
Dylan was later convicted of disorderly conduct, a petty misdemeanor, and ordered to pay a $150 fine on Jan. 28.
Johnson, who previously served as a St. Cloud city councilman, launched his bid for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor in March 2025.
Following his daughter’s death, he suspended his campaign, according to a statement issued Monday by the Minnesota Republican Party.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the stabbing, and the investigation remains ongoing.
BREAKING: Husband Dylan Tobler Charged With Brutally Stabbing His 22-Year-Old Wife and Daughter of Republican Minnesota gov candidate Jeff Johnson Hallie to Death — Botched M*rder-Su*c*de!
St. Cloud, Minnesota pic.twitter.com/lpk4vJxPHQ [4]
— i Expose Racists & Pedos (@SeeRacists) February 11, 2026 [5]
The case has drawn attention across Minnesota as the Johnson family continues to mourn the loss of their daughter.