Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson suspended his campaign on Monday after his daughter was found stabbed to death.
“Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for Governor of Minnesota,” his campaign
wrote in a statement. “We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.”
Johnson's 22-year-old daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, was found dead on Feb. 7 with multiple stab wounds in her apartment in St. Cloud, Minnesota,
according to authorities.
Police initially responded to a call about a medical emergency at 8:20 p.m. local time on Feb. 7 at the residence on 40th Ave. South.
Her husband, Dylan Tobler, 23, was found alive in the apartment with self-inflicted injuries. He has been named as a suspect in the case, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.
“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,”
police stated.
It was not immediately known whether Tobler had retained legal representation in the case.
Dylan Tobler was hospitalized but has since been released and transported to Stearns County Jail, where he will be held on charges related to homicide, according to police.
“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,” the Republican Party of Minnesota
said. “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.”
According to election tracker
Ballotpedia, Johnson served on the Hennepin County Commission from 2009 to January 2021.
In November 2018, Johnson ran as a Republican for Minnesota governor but lost the general election. Tim Walz won that election and went on to serve two terms.
Johnson was making another run for governor, this time to succeed Walz, who announced he would not seek a third term.
“Just unthinkable,” Walz
wrote on X in response to the news. “Gwen and I are sending our condolences to Jeff Johnson and his family. Minnesota’s thoughts are with you.”
Authorities have not released a motive in the stabbing. The investigation remains ongoing, according to police.
The Minnesota Republican Party
thanked first responders and law enforcement officers involved in the case and asked others for "patience and compassion" as the investigation continues.
